indanone

Indanone is a chemical compound with the molecular formula C9H8O. It belongs to the class of organic compounds known as ketones, specifically cyclic ketones. The structure of indanone features a benzene ring fused to a five-membered ring containing a carbonyl group. This bicyclic structure gives it unique chemical properties. There are two main isomers of indanone: 1-indanone and 2-indanone, differing in the position of the carbonyl group within the five-membered ring. 1-indanone is more common and is a white crystalline solid at room temperature.

Indanone and its derivatives are found in various natural products and are also synthesized for a range of applications. They serve as intermediates in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and dyes. For instance, certain indanone derivatives exhibit biological activity and are explored for their potential medicinal properties. The reactivity of the carbonyl group and the aromatic ring allows for diverse chemical modifications, making indanone a versatile building block in organic synthesis. Its spectroscopic properties, such as its characteristic infrared absorption due to the carbonyl stretch, are also well-studied.