kekulene

Kekulene is a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) with the chemical formula C22H12. It is a member of the kekulene family, which includes other PAHs with similar structures. Kekulene was first synthesized in 1965 by Robert Burns Woodward and his colleagues. The molecule consists of 22 carbon atoms arranged in a complex, fused-ring system, with 12 hydrogen atoms attached to the periphery. Kekulene is notable for its high degree of aromaticity, which is a result of its extensive conjugation and planar structure. This aromaticity contributes to its stability and unique chemical properties. Kekulene is also of interest in the field of organic chemistry due to its potential applications in materials science, particularly in the development of novel carbon-based materials with unique electronic and optical properties. Despite its potential, kekulene remains a relatively rare compound due to the challenges associated with its synthesis and purification.