bifenüüliga

Bifenüül, also known as diphenyl, is an organic compound with the chemical formula C12H10. It consists of two phenyl rings joined by a single bond. At room temperature, bifenüül is a colorless solid with a distinctive floral odor. It is largely insoluble in water but soluble in many organic solvents like ethanol, ether, and benzene.

Industrially, bifenüül is primarily produced through the dehydrocoupling of benzene. It finds significant application as a heat transfer fluid, particularly in high-temperature industrial processes where its thermal stability is advantageous. Bifenüül mixtures with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), historically known as Aroclors, were widely used as dielectric fluids, coolants, and plasticizers due to their non-flammability and electrical insulating properties. However, due to environmental persistence and toxicity concerns, the use of PCBs has been largely phased out in many countries.

Beyond its industrial uses, bifenüül serves as a precursor in the synthesis of various organic compounds, including dyes, agrochemicals, and pharmaceuticals. It is also used as a component in some food packaging materials, acting as a fungicide to prevent mold growth on citrus fruits. Environmental monitoring of bifenüül is conducted due to its presence in various environmental compartments and potential for bioaccumulation.