C10H6

C10H6 is the chemical formula for a compound consisting of ten carbon atoms and six hydrogen atoms. It primarily refers to phenanthrene, a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) composed of three fused benzene rings arranged in a specific angular configuration. Phenanthrene is a crystalline, solid substance with a characteristic aromatic smell and is found naturally in coal tar and crude petroleum.

Phenanthrene is of interest in various fields, including environmental science and organic chemistry. It is considered a model compound for studying the behavior of PAHs, which are common environmental pollutants resulting from the incomplete combustion of carbon-containing materials. Due to its stability and planarity, phenanthrene is susceptible to further oxidation and transformation in the environment, often serving as a precursor for more complex PAHs.

In industrial applications, phenanthrene is used as a starting material in the synthesis of dyes, plastics, and pharmaceuticals. Its planar aromatic structure makes it relevant in materials science, particularly in the development of organic semiconductors and fluorescent dyes.

While phenanthrene itself is relatively stable, exposure to high temperatures or combustion conditions can produce toxic and carcinogenic derivatives, contributing to concerns related to air pollution and occupational health.

Overall, C10H6 (phenanthrene) is a significant polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon with diverse implications in environmental health, chemical synthesis, and materials engineering. Its study helps in understanding environmental contamination and advancing the development of sustainable chemical processes.