C6H8NO

C6H8NO is a molecular formula that denotes a composition of six carbon atoms, eight hydrogen atoms, one nitrogen atom, and one oxygen atom. As a formula, it does not specify a unique compound because many constitutional isomers share this exact composition. The same formula can describe a variety of structures, including heterocyclic rings and non-aromatic derivatives, depending on how the atoms are connected.

Because C6H8NO corresponds to multiple possible structures, there is no single set of physicochemical properties associated with it. Physical properties such as boiling point, melting point, density, and solubility vary widely among the isomers. The molar mass is about 110.14 g/mol, and the exact mass differs slightly depending on isotopic composition.

In chemical databases and analytical work, C6H8NO is used as a sum formula to indicate a class of compounds that could fit this composition. To identify a specific substance, researchers rely on structural information determined experimentally. Techniques such as nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, infrared (IR) spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry are used to infer connectivity, and, when possible, X-ray crystallography provides definitive structural characterization. The preferred IUPAC name and a CAS number are assigned only after the exact arrangement of atoms is established.

Overall, C6H8NO serves as a neutral descriptor of a family of compounds rather than a single, well-defined substance, emphasizing the need for explicit structure to specify identity.