Formula C12H8O Boiling point 285 °C | Molar mass 168.19 g/mol Appearance white crystalline powder | |
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Dibenzofuran is a heterocyclic organic compound with the chemical structure shown at right. It is an aromatic compound that has two benzene rings fused to a central furan ring. All the numbered carbon atoms have a hydrogen atom bonded to each of them (not shown in the image). It is a volatile white solid that is soluble in nonpolar organic solvents. It is obtained from coal tar, where it exists as a 1% component.
Contents
Reactions
Dibenzofuran is thermally robust with a convenient liquid range. These properties together with its low toxicity, are exploited by the use of DBF as a heat transfer agent.
It undergoes electrophilic reactions, such as halogenation and Friedel-Crafts reactions. Reaction of DBF with bultyl lithium results in dilithiation.
Dibenzofuran is the precursor to the drug furobufen by Friedel-Crafts reaction with succinic anhydride.
Safety
Dibenzofuran is a relatively non-toxic compound as evidenced by rats being unaffected after a 200-day diet consisting of 0.025 – 0.4% of DBF. The polychlorinated dibenzofurans are however controversial and potentially dangerous.