anthracen

Anthracene, sometimes spelled anthracen, is a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon with the formula C14H10. It consists of three linearly fused benzene rings and is a planar, rigid molecule that belongs to the class of PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons).

In terms of properties, anthracene is a white crystalline solid that is relatively insoluble in water but readily soluble in many organic solvents. It has a high melting point and, when exposed to ultraviolet light, it exhibits blue fluorescence. The compound is chemically stable but can undergo oxidation or substitution reactions typical of PAHs, such as nitration, sulfonation, and oxidation to its corresponding quinone.

Occurrence and production flow from natural and industrial sources. Anthracene occurs in coal tar and, to a lesser extent, in certain petroleum fractions. Historically it was obtained from coal tar as a byproduct of gasification and coking processes. Today it is still produced commercially from coal tar or by processing petroleum-derived materials, where it is separated and purified for industrial use. A major chemical transformation of anthracene is its oxidation to anthraquinone, a key intermediate widely used in dye manufacture.

Uses and applications include serving as a precursor to anthraquinone, which is employed in the synthesis of various dyes. Anthracene and its derivatives are also used in organic electronic materials, scintillators, and as fluorescent standards in spectroscopy due to their well-characterized emission properties.

Safety and environmental considerations: as a member of the PAH family, anthracene can pose health and environmental risks with prolonged or high-level exposure. It is poorly water-soluble and may persist in the environment, so handling should minimize inhalation of dust and skin contact, and releases should be controlled and treated appropriately.