What is "benzopyrene"

n. (context organic compound English) A polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (having five fused benzene rings) that is both mutagenic and carcinogenic

Benzo[a]pyrene is a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon and the result of incomplete combustion at temperatures between and . The ubiquitous compound can be found in coal tar, tobacco smoke and many foods, especially grilled meats. The substance with the formula CH is one of the benzopyrenes, formed by a benzene ring fused to pyrene. Its diol epoxide metabolites react and bind to DNA, resulting in mutations and eventually cancer. It is listed as a Group 1 carcinogen by the IARC. In the 18th century a scrotal cancer of chimney sweepers, the chimney sweeps' carcinoma, was already connected to soot.

A benzopyrene is an organic compound with the formula CH. Structurally speaking, the colorless isomers of benzopyrene are pentacyclic hydrocarbons and are fusion products of pyrene and a phenylene group. Two isomeric species of benzopyrene are [[benzo(a)pyrene|benzo[a]pyrene]] and the less common [[benzo(e)pyrene|benzo[e]pyrene]]. They belong to the chemical class of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.

Benzo[e]pyrene is a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon with the chemical formula CH. It is listed as a Group 3 carcinogen by the IARC.

In February 2014, NASA announced a greatly upgraded database for tracking polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), including Benzo[e]pyrene, in the universe. According to scientists, more than 20% of the carbon in the universe may be associated with PAHs, possible starting materials for the formation of life. PAHs seem to have been formed shortly after the Big Bang, are widespread throughout the universe, and are associated with new stars and exoplanets.