C12H18O4
C12H18O4 is the molecular formula for several chemical compounds, indicating a molecule composed of twelve carbon atoms, eighteen hydrogen atoms, and four 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 odor and finds applications as a plasticizer, a solvent, and an intermediate in organic synthesis. It is also used in some fragrance compositions. Another isomer with the formula C12H18O4 is bisphenol A diglycidyl ether (BADGE), a resin precursor widely used in epoxy resins. BADGE is a solid at room temperature and is a key component in adhesives, coatings, and composite materials. The specific properties and uses of a compound with the molecular formula C12H18O4 depend entirely on its structural arrangement of atoms, meaning the specific isomer it represents. Isomers are compounds that share the same molecular formula but have different structural formulas, leading to distinct physical and chemical characteristics.