Names | |
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Preferred IUPAC name
Phenanthrene | |
Identifiers | |
3D model (JSmol)
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1905428 | |
ChEBI | |
ChemSpider | |
ECHA InfoCard | 100.001.437 |
EC Number |
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28699 | |
KEGG | |
MeSH | C031181 |
PubChem CID
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UNII | |
CompTox Dashboard (EPA)
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Properties | |
C14H10 | |
Molar mass | 178.234 g·mol−1 |
Appearance | Colorless solid |
Density | 1.18 g/cm3[1] |
Melting point | 101 °C (214 °F; 374 K)[1] |
Boiling point | 332 °C (630 °F; 605 K)[1] |
1.6 mg/L[1] | |
−127.9·10−6 cm3/mol | |
Hazards | |
NFPA 704 (fire diamond) | |
Flash point | 171 °C (340 °F; 444 K)[1] |
Structure | |
C2v[2] | |
0 D | |
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
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Phenanthrene is a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) with formula C14H10, consisting of three fused benzene rings. It is a colorless, crystal-like solid, but can also appear yellow. Phenanthrene is used to make dyes, plastics, pesticides, explosives, and drugs. It has also been used to make bile acids, cholesterol and steroids.[3]
Phenanthrene occurs naturally and also is a man-made chemical. Commonly, humans are exposed to phenanthrene through inhalation of cigarette smoke, but there are many routes of exposure. Animal studies have shown that phenanthrene is a potential carcinogen.[3] However, according to IARC, it is not identified as a probable, possible or confirmed human carcinogen.[4]
Phenanthrene's three fused rings are angled as in the phenacenes, rather than straight as in the acenes. The compound with a phenanthrene skeleton and nitrogens at the 4 and 5 positions is known as phenanthroline.