Dibenzothiophene

Dibenzothiophene (DBT) is a type of organic compound that is classified under the category of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). It is a sulfur-containing compound that is commonly found in crude oil and coal. The structure of dibenzothiophene is similar to that of naphthalene, with a sulfur atom replacing one of the carbon atoms in the central ring.

Structure and Properties

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Structure of Dibenzothiophene

Dibenzothiophene is composed of three fused six-membered rings, two of which are aromatic benzene rings and the third is a thiophene ring. The sulfur atom is located in the central ring, which gives dibenzothiophene its unique properties.

Dibenzothiophene is a yellow crystalline solid at room temperature. It has a melting point of 98-100 degrees Celsius and a boiling point of 340 degrees Celsius. It is insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents such as ethanol, acetone, and benzene.

Occurrence and Uses

Dibenzothiophene is a common impurity in crude oil and coal. It is often used as a marker for the presence of sulfur in these substances. The removal of dibenzothiophene and other sulfur-containing compounds from crude oil is an important step in the oil refining process, as sulfur can cause damage to refining equipment and contribute to air pollution when burned.

In the laboratory, dibenzothiophene is used as a starting material for the synthesis of various organic compounds. It is also used in research to study the behavior of sulfur-containing compounds in different chemical reactions.

Health Effects

Exposure to dibenzothiophene can cause irritation to the skin and eyes. Ingestion or inhalation of this compound can lead to nausea, headache, and dizziness. Long-term exposure can lead to more serious health effects such as liver and kidney damage.

See Also

• Thiophene
• Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon
• Crude oil
• Coal