C4H4O5

C4H4O5 is the molecular formula that denotes a family of four-carbon, four-hydrogen, and five-oxygen compounds. It is not a single, defined substance but an identifier used for several possible structural isomers sharing this exact elemental composition. The nominal molar mass of C4H4O5 is about 132.07 g/mol.

The formula corresponds to a degree of unsaturation of three, indicating a combination of rings and/or multiple bonds in any valid structure. With five oxygens, the isomers may include functionalities such as carbonyl groups (as in acids, anhydrides, or esters), hydroxyls, or peroxide linkages, arranged in various ways. The exact physical properties (melting and boiling points, solubility, reactivity) depend on the specific arrangement of atoms and the presence of any strained rings or reactive functional groups.

In practice, C4H4O5 most often appears in discussions of elemental composition, mass spectrometry fragments, or isomer counting rather than as a reference to a single widely used compound. To identify a particular species with this formula, the full structural formula or name must be specified. Without that detail, properties and potential applications remain speculative and can vary substantially among possible isomers.

See also: Molecular formula, Isomer, Organic chemistry nomenclature. Safety, synthesis, and applications are determined by the specific structure of the compound bearing this formula.