Mothballs can be made of paradichlorobenzene or which other chemical?

• A. Paradichlorobenzene
• B. Naphthalene
• C. Ethyl acetate
• D. Benzene

Answer: (B)

Mothballs work by sublimation: a solid slowly turns into vapor at room temperature, creating a protective, moth-repelling atmosphere in a closed closet. The two classic active ingredients are paradichlorobenzene and naphthalene, both of which sublime to produce fumes that deter moths. Naphthalene fits as the other chemical because it behaves similarly to paradichlorobenzene in terms of volatility and vapor generation, providing lasting pest deterrence. Ethyl acetate and benzene are solvents; they don’t provide the same persistent moth-repellent vapor (and benzene is notably hazardous), so they aren’t used as the active mothball ingredient.