Dibenzo(a,e)fluoranthene

Chemical properties

Yellow needles from benzene.

The Uses of Dibenzo(a,e)fluoranthene

Dibenzo[a,e]fluoranthene is a useful intermediate in synthesizing poly cyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and also a suspected carcinogenic compound.

Definition

ChEBI: Dibenzo[a,e]fluoranthene is a member of phenanthrenes.

General Description

Yellow crystals. Water insoluble.

Air & Water Reactions

Dust/air mixtures may ignite and explode. Insoluble in water.

Reactivity Profile

Vigorous reactions, sometimes amounting to explosions, can result from the contact between aromatic hydrocarbons, such as DIBENZO(A,E)FLUORANTHENE, and strong oxidizing agents. They can react exothermically with bases and with diazo compounds. Substitution at the benzene nucleus occurs by halogenation (acid catalyst), nitration, sulfonation, and the Friedel-Crafts reaction.

Carcinogenicity

Applied dermally and in one initiation–promotion study on mice, dibenzo[a,e]fluoranthene gave positive results. On the basis of these data, it was concluded that there was limited evidence for the carcinogenicity of dibenzo[a,e]fluoranthene in experimental animals.