BENZANTHRACENE Meaning and
Definition
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Benzanthracene is a chemical compound with the molecular formula C18H12. It belongs to the class of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and is composed of three fused benzene rings. Benzanthracene is a solid crystalline substance that appears as delicate yellow needles or as a yellow powder.
In terms of its chemical properties, benzanthracene is practically insoluble in water, but it is soluble in organic solvents such as ethanol, benzene, and acetone. Its melting point is approximately 148 °C.
Benzanthracene is primarily obtained from coal tar or petroleum and is commonly used as a starting material for the synthesis of other chemicals, especially dyes and pigments. Moreover, it serves as a valuable intermediate in the production of pharmaceuticals and fine chemicals due to its involvement in various organic reactions.
Although benzanthracene does not possess significant commercial applications of its own, it has gained importance in the field of scientific research. It is frequently utilized as a model compound in toxicity and carcinogenicity studies, as PAHs have shown adverse effects on organisms and are often associated with environmental concerns.
To summarize, benzanthracene is a compound consisting of three fused benzene rings, belonging to the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon class. It serves as a precursor to various chemicals and finds application in scientific research related to toxicity and carcinogenicity.
Etymology of BENZANTHRACENE
The word "benzanthracene" is derived from the combination of two terms: "benzene" and "anthracene".
- "Benzene" originates from the German word "Benzin", which was initially used to refer to a colorless liquid obtained from coal tar. It was later renamed "Benzol" by Friedrich August Kekulé, a German chemist, in 1866. The term "benzene" was adopted from that name and came into widespread use to describe the cyclic hydrocarbon compound composed of six carbon atoms and six hydrogen atoms (C6H6).
- "Anthracene" is derived from the Greek word "anthrax", meaning "coal". This name was given to the compound due to its discovery in coal tar. Anthracene is a polycyclic hydrocarbon consisting of three fused benzene rings, having the chemical formula C14H10.
