Benz(e)acephenanthrylene

Benz[e]acephenanthrylene is an organic compound with the chemical formula C₂₀H₁₂. It is a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) made of four benzene rings around a 5-membered ring.

On February 22, 2014, NASA announced a greatly upgraded database for detecting and monitoring polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), including benz[e]acephenanthrylene (as benzo[b]fluoranthene, a synonym), in the universe. According to NASA scientists, over 20% of the carbon in the universe may be associated with PAHs, possible starting materials for the formation of life. PAHs seem to have been formed shortly after the Big Bang, are abundant in the universe, and are associated with new stars and exoplanets.