C12H16O4

C12H16O4 is the molecular formula for several chemical compounds, indicating a molecule composed of 12 carbon atoms, 16 hydrogen atoms, and 4 oxygen atoms. One common compound with this formula is diethyl succinate, an ester derived from succinic acid and ethanol. Diethyl succinate is a colorless liquid with a faint fruity odor. It is soluble in organic solvents and moderately soluble in water. This compound finds applications as a plasticizer, a solvent, and in the synthesis of various organic chemicals, including pharmaceuticals and polymers. It is also used as a food additive, contributing to flavor profiles in some food products. Another possibility for C12H16O4 is dioctyl phthalate, although this is more commonly represented by a different formula. However, isomers with the C12H16O4 formula exist, meaning different structural arrangements of the atoms can lead to compounds with distinct properties. The specific properties and uses of a compound with the molecular formula C12H16O4 depend entirely on its precise chemical structure. Further identification requires knowledge of the compound's systematic name or its structural formula.