C14H10O8

C14H10O8 is the molecular formula for mellitic anhydride. This organic compound is derived from mellitic acid, which is a hexacarboxylic acid of benzene. Mellitic anhydride is a white crystalline solid. Its chemical structure consists of a benzene ring with three anhydride groups attached. These anhydride groups are formed by the removal of a water molecule from two carboxylic acid groups. Mellitic anhydride can be synthesized by heating mellitic acid, often in the presence of a dehydrating agent. It is a reactive compound due to the presence of the anhydride functional groups, which can undergo various chemical reactions, such as hydrolysis to regenerate mellitic acid. It is also soluble in some organic solvents. Historically, mellitic acid and its derivatives, like mellitic anhydride, were of interest in the study of coal and humic substances, as they are degradation products of complex organic matter. While not a widely produced industrial chemical, mellitic anhydride serves as a reference compound in certain analytical and research applications.