naphthene
/ˈnæfθin/
noun
- Any of a group of hydrocarbons (cycloalkanes) found in petroleum, having a ring-shaped molecular structure.
- The refinery processes naphthenes to produce high-octane gasoline.
- Naphthenes are an important component of crude oil and are used in making fuels.
- Scientists study naphthenes to understand how petroleum forms underground.