C6H5COC6H5

C6H5COC6H5, also known as benzophenone, is an organic compound with the chemical formula (C6H5)2CO. It is a diaryl ketone, consisting of two phenyl rings connected by a carbonyl group. Benzophenone is a white crystalline solid with a characteristic rose-like odor. It is poorly soluble in water but readily soluble in many organic solvents such as ethanol, ether, and chloroform.

Benzophenone is synthesized through various methods, including the Friedel-Crafts acylation of benzene with benzoyl chloride in the presence of a Lewis acid catalyst like aluminum chloride. It can also be produced by the oxidation of diphenylmethane.

The primary application of benzophenone is as a photoinitiator in ultraviolet (UV) curing applications. When exposed to UV light, benzophenone absorbs photons and undergoes a photochemical reaction, generating free radicals that initiate polymerization of monomers. This process is used in inks, coatings, adhesives, and nail gels. Benzophenone also serves as a UV blocker in plastics, paints, and sunscreens to prevent degradation and damage caused by UV radiation.

In organic synthesis, benzophenone is used as a starting material for the preparation of other organic compounds. It is also employed as a sensitizer in photochemistry and as a flavoring agent in some consumer products, although its use in food is regulated due to potential health concerns. Research continues into its biological activities and potential pharmaceutical applications.