Anthracene

Anthracene, a PAH, is a pollutant used to manufacture dyes.

Chemical Formula: C₁₄H₁₀

Layman's explanation: Anthracene is produced from coal tar and used to manufacture dyes, insecticides, and wood preservatives. It is released to the environment through its production, use, and disposal. By inhalation, ingestion, or contact, anthracene is toxic, particularly affecting the respiratory system, gastrointestinal tract, skin, and eyes. Prolonged exposure induces more severe disorders. When released, PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) are accumulated by soil, sediment in water, and living organisms. Although sunlight, chemicals, and bacteria slowly degrade them, they will have a long-term negative effect in both the aquatic and terrestrial environment. Anthracene is on the EPAs priority bioaccumulative contaminant list.

Keywords: PAHs, toxin

Crystallographic details...
More visualization options...
See other versions...

Reciprocal Net site software 0.9.1-50, copyright (c) 2002-2009, The Trustees of Indiana University
Files and data presented via this software are property of their respective owners.
Reciprocal Net is funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation as part of the National Science Digital Library project.