Dibenzofuran
Dibenzofuran is a chemical compound with the molecular formula C₁₂H₈O. It is a polycyclic aromatic compound consisting of two benzene rings fused to a central furan ring. Dibenzofuran is a white solid that is insoluble in water but soluble in many organic solvents.
Structure and Properties[edit | edit source]
Dibenzofuran has a planar structure, which contributes to its stability and its ability to participate in π-π interactions. The compound has a melting point of 81-85°C and a boiling point of 285°C. It is relatively stable under normal conditions but can undergo various chemical reactions typical of aromatic compounds.
Synthesis[edit | edit source]
Dibenzofuran can be synthesized through several methods, including the dehydration of o-phenylphenol and the cyclization of biphenyl ether. Industrially, it is often produced as a byproduct in the manufacture of other chemicals.
Applications[edit | edit source]
Dibenzofuran is used in the production of polymers, dyes, and pharmaceuticals. It is also a component in some pesticides and herbicides. Additionally, dibenzofuran derivatives are studied for their potential use in organic electronics and light-emitting diodes (LEDs).
Environmental Impact[edit | edit source]
Dibenzofuran is a persistent organic pollutant and can be found in the environment as a result of industrial processes and the combustion of organic materials. It is known to be toxic to aquatic life and can accumulate in the food chain.
Health Effects[edit | edit source]
Exposure to dibenzofuran can occur through inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact. It can cause irritation to the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. Long-term exposure may lead to more serious health effects, including potential carcinogenicity.
Regulation[edit | edit source]
Due to its potential health and environmental impacts, dibenzofuran is subject to regulation in many countries. It is included in various environmental protection lists and guidelines to control its release and manage its disposal.
See Also[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD