C13H20O

C13H20O is a molecular formula representing organic compounds that contain 13 carbons, 20 hydrogens, and a single oxygen atom. The formula alone does not specify a unique structure, as many constitutional and stereoisomers can share this composition. The molecule has a degree of unsaturation of four, calculated as DBE = C − H/2 + 1, which can arise from rings and/or multiple bonds such as carbon–carbon double bonds, carbonyl groups, or aromatic systems. Consequently, C13H20O can correspond to a variety of structural motifs, including ketones, aldehydes, alcohols, ethers, or combinations with ring systems.

Common functional-group possibilities for this formula include alcohols and ethers (where the oxygen is not part of a carbonyl) as well as carbonyl-containing compounds such as ketones or aldehydes (where the oxygen participates in a C=O bond). If no carbonyl is present, the four degrees of unsaturation could be accounted for by an aromatic ring (which contributes four DBE) or by multiple rings and/or unsaturations in aliphatic frameworks.

The approximate molecular weight is 192.3 g/mol (with a monoisotopic mass around 192.15 u). Because many isomers can share this formula, physical properties such as boiling point, solubility, and odor depend on the specific arrangement of atoms and functional groups.

In practice, C13H20O appears in various chemical contexts, including fragrance and flavor chemistry, natural products research, and structural elucidation efforts. Analytical methods such as gas chromatography–mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy are used to distinguish among the possible isomers.