C12H12O

C12H12O is a chemical formula representing a class of organic compounds known as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). These compounds consist of a fused ring system of benzene rings, with the oxygen atom typically present as a ketone or phenol group. The most well-known compound with this formula is anthracene, a tricyclic PAH with the molecular formula C14H10. However, C12H12O can also refer to other compounds, such as 9,10-anthracenedione, a derivative of anthracene with two ketone groups.

PAHs are of significant interest due to their potential health and environmental impacts. They are often formed during the incomplete combustion of organic matter, such as in the burning of fossil fuels or the cooking of food. Some PAHs are known to be carcinogenic, and their presence in the environment is a concern for public health.

The oxygen atom in C12H12O compounds can affect their chemical properties and reactivity. For example, the presence of ketone groups can make the compound more reactive towards nucleophiles, while phenol groups can influence the compound's solubility in water.

C12H12O compounds are also of interest in the field of organic synthesis, as they can serve as building blocks for the synthesis of more complex molecules. Their unique structural features make them useful in the development of new materials and pharmaceuticals.