Dibenzopdioxin

Dibenzodioxin, commonly referred to as dibenzo-p-dioxin, is the unsubstituted parent member of the dibenzo-dioxin family. Its systematic name is dibenzo-1,4-dioxin. The molecule comprises two benzene rings joined by two adjacent oxygen bridges, giving a planar polycyclic aromatic ether. Its chemical formula is C12H8O2, with a molar mass of about 184.19 g/mol. Because it is the non-substituted form, it is primarily encountered as a reference structure in dioxin chemistry rather than as a standalone industrial product.

Occurrence and synthesis: The unsubstituted dibenzo-dioxin is not a common commercial chemical. It can be prepared synthetically for academic studies, but in environmental contexts it occurs only in trace or transient amounts, and more often it is discussed as the structural basis for related compounds. In practice, environmental and toxicological interest centers on substituted and especially chlorinated or oxygen-containing derivatives, such as the polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and dibenzofurans, which are persistent pollutants.

Properties: Dibenzo-1,4-dioxin is a small, non-polar, hydrophobic molecule with low water solubility. It tends to partition into organic phases rather than aqueous ones. Detailed physical property data are limited for the unsubstituted compound, as are comprehensive toxicity studies, because the health and environmental concerns historically arise from halogenated congeners rather than the parent structure.

Safety and regulation: Most regulatory and hazard information relates to chlorinated dioxins and related compounds. The unsubstituted dibenzo-1,4-dioxin is primarily of academic interest as a reference structure rather than a widely managed hazardous substance.

See also: Dioxins, Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins, Dibenzo-p-dioxin.