Nodulene

Nodulene is a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon with the chemical formula C20H12. It consists of four fused benzene rings arranged in a specific planar structure. Its structure can be visualized as a central benzene ring fused with two other benzene rings, which are then fused with two terminal benzene rings. This arrangement gives nodulene a somewhat symmetrical, star-like appearance when viewed from certain angles, although it is a planar molecule.

Nodulene belongs to the class of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are compounds formed by multiple aromatic rings. PAHs are generally known for their stability due to their delocalized pi electron systems. Nodulene itself is a relatively stable compound, though like many PAHs, it can undergo various chemical reactions, including electrophilic aromatic substitution.

The synthesis of nodulene and its derivatives has been of interest to organic chemists for the study of their electronic and photophysical properties. Due to its extended pi system, nodulene exhibits distinct spectroscopic characteristics, including absorption and emission of light in the UV-Visible range. Research into nodulene has explored its potential applications in areas such as organic electronics and as a building block for more complex molecular structures. However, it is not a widely encountered or industrially significant compound compared to some other PAHs.