Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons: Overview
Description
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are formed by the incomplete combustion of coal, oil, petrol, wood, tobacco, charbroiled meats, garbage, or other organic materials. Most of them have no known use. A few are used in medicines, and to make dyes, plastics, and pesticides. Naphthalene, also known as mothballs, is used in making dyes, explosives, plastics, lubricants, and moth repellent. Anthracene is used in dyes, insecticides and wood preservatives.
Substance details
Substance name: Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
CASR number: Not applicable
Molecular formula: Not applicable - more than 100 compounds
Synonyms: PAH is the usual acronym for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are a group of over 100 chemicals. Some of the most commonly occurring polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are acenaphthene, acenaphthylene, anthracene, benz(a)anthracene, benzo(a)pyrene, benzo(b)fluoranthene, benzo(ghi)perylene, benzo(k)fluoranthene, chrysene, dibenz(a,h)anthracene, fluoranthene, fluorene, indeno(1,2,3-cd)pyrene, naphthalene, phenanthrene, pyrene
Physical properties
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are colourless, white or pale yellow-green solids. They often attach to particulate matter (e.g. soot).
Melting Point: Depends on the particular compound, generally above room temperature
Boiling Point: Depends on the particular compound, generally above 100°C
Chemical properties
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are organic compounds (carbon based) which include only carbon and hydrogen with a structure of fused rings. They contain at least two fused benzene (six sided) rings. They may contain other rings of carbon that are not six sided. Most do not dissolve easily into water, but some readily evaporate into the air. Most do not burn easily.
Further information
The National Pollutant Inventory (NPI) holds data for all sources of Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in Australia.
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