C18H24O2

C18H24O2 is the molecular formula of a set of organic compounds that share 18 carbon atoms, 24 hydrogen atoms, and two oxygen atoms. It does not denote a single substance; rather, it represents multiple structural isomers that can have different properties and applications. The degree of unsaturation for this formula is seven (DoU = (2C + 2 − H)/2 = (2×18 + 2 − 24)/2 = 7), indicating a combination of rings and multiple bonds such as aromatic rings and carbonyl or ether functionalities.

Isomers with this formula can feature a variety of motifs, including benzenoid aromatic rings with diverse substituents, esters or ketones, ethers, or lactone rings. The two oxygen atoms permit carbonyl groups or oxygen bridges, contributing to a range of possible functional groups and reactivities.

The approximate molecular mass is about 272 g/mol, using standard atomic weights. Because many isomers share the same formula, physical properties such as boiling point, solubility, and refractive index vary among individual structures. Determining the exact connectivity and functional groups requires spectroscopic analysis, including infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, along with mass spectrometry. Chemical databases typically list specific isomers that share the formula rather than a single entry for the entire formula.

Applications and study of C18H24O2 span organic synthesis, natural product chemistry, and materials science. When discussing this formula, it is important to provide the exact structure or a structural diagram to avoid ambiguity.