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Benzofuran

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Identification
Molecular formula
C8H6O
CAS number
271-89-6
IUPAC name
benzofuran
State
State

At room temperature, benzofuran is typically a liquid. It is stable under ordinary conditions but should be stored in a cool, dry place to prevent degradation and maintain its purity.

Melting point (Celsius)
-18.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
255.15
Boiling point (Celsius)
173.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
446.15
General information
Molecular weight
118.13g/mol
Molar mass
118.1290g/mol
Density
1.1015g/cm3
Appearence

Benzofuran is a colorless oily liquid. It may appear yellowish and has a distinctive aromatic odor. It is often used in the synthesis of various organic compounds and can also be found in coal tar.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of Benzofuran

Benzofuran, with the chemical formula C8H6O, exhibits interesting solubility characteristics that are worth noting:

  • Polar vs. Non-polar Solvents: Benzofuran is generally more soluble in non-polar solvents due to its aromatic structure and low polarity.
  • Solubility in Water: This compound has limited solubility in water, which is primarily attributed to its non-polar characteristics.
  • Common Solvents: It dissolves well in organic solvents such as:
    • Ether
    • Chloroform
    • Benzene
  • Temperature Effect: The solubility may vary with temperature; typically, increasing temperature can enhance the solubility of organic compounds.

In summary, while benzofuran is not soluble in water, it finds compatibility with a variety of organic solvents. This behavior underscores the importance of solvent choice when working with this compound in laboratory settings.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about Benzofuran

Benzofuran is a fascinating compound with a unique structure and a wide range of applications in various fields of science. Here are some key points that highlight its significance:

  • Structural Insight: Benzofuran comprises a fused benzene and furan ring, which gives it distinctive properties compared to other aromatic compounds.
  • Natural Occurrence: It is found naturally in some plant species and can be a product of certain plant metabolic pathways, contributing to their bioactivity.
  • Pharmaceutical Relevance: Benzofuran derivatives are studied for their potential medicinal properties, including anticancer, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory effects. For example, certain derivatives have shown promise in treating conditions like diabetes and neurodegenerative diseases.
  • Research Applications: In organic chemistry, benzofuran serves as a critical building block for synthesizing more complex molecules, making it invaluable for developing new drugs and agrochemicals.
  • Environmental Impact: Benzofuran can be a byproduct of combustion processes and may pose environmental concerns, highlighting the need for research on its fate and effects in ecosystems.

As one researcher put it, "Benzofuran stands at the intersection of nature and technology, revealing insights into both natural products and synthetic chemistry."

Overall, benzofuran is not only critical for academic research but also holds great potential for real-world applications, making it an exciting area of study in the field of chemistry.

Synonyms
BENZOFURAN
2,3-Benzofuran
271-89-6
Coumarone
1-Benzofuran
Benzo[b]furan
Cumarone
Benzofurfuran
Coumaron
Benzo(b)furan
1-Oxindene
1-Oxidene
Benzofuran (IUPAC)
NCI-C56166
CCRIS 2384
benzo[b]furane
HSDB 4173
NSC 1255
EINECS 205-982-6
BRN 0107704
DTXSID6020141
UNII-LK6946W774
CHEBI:35260
AI3-17613
BENZOFURAN [MI]
NSC-1255
BENZOFURAN [HSDB]
BENZOFURAN [IARC]
MFCD00005847
LK6946W774
Benzofuran (1mg/mL In Dichloromethane)
DTXCID20141
CHEMBL363614
5-17-02-00003 (Beilstein Handbook Reference)
NCGC00091088-05
BENZOFURAN (IARC)
Cumaron
bezofuran
1Oxindene
1Oxidene
1-Oxaindene
2,3Benzofuran
1-Benzofuran #
2,3-Benzofuran, 99%
SCHEMBL5564
WLN: T56 BOJ
MLS002454357
CHEBI:36790
NSC1255
HMS2268K20
Tox21_400054
2,3-Benzofuran, analytical standard
BDBM50167940
AKOS000121520
CCG-266071
DB04179
PS-5764
NCGC00091088-01
NCGC00091088-02
NCGC00091088-03
NCGC00091088-04
NCGC00091088-06
AT 33852
CAS-271-89-6
SMR000112279
Coumarone; 2,3-Benzofuran; Benzo[b]furan
DB-047175
B0060
NS00019800
EN300-16607
D88596
R 7204
A818947
Q410089
Z56347207
205-982-6