| Identifiers | |
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3D model (Jmol)
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| ChEBI | |
| ChemSpider | |
| ECHA InfoCard | 100.004.612 |
| KEGG | |
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PubChem CID
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| Properties | |
| C12H8O | |
| Molar mass | 168.19 g/mol |
| Appearance | white crystalline powder |
| Melting point | 81 to 85 °C (178 to 185 °F; 354 to 358 K) |
| Boiling point | 285 °C (545 °F; 558 K) |
| Insoluble | |
| Hazards | |
| R-phrases | R51/53 |
| S-phrases | S24/25 S29 S61 |
| Related compounds | |
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Related compounds
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Furan Benzofuran Dibenzodioxin Dibenzothiophene Carbazole Polyozellin (compound with a kernel with two dibenzofurans that share the same benzene ring) |
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Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
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| Infobox references | |
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.
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.
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.