What is "fluoranthene"

Fluoranthene \Flu`or*an"thene\, n. [Fluorene + anthracene.] (Chem.) A white crystalline hydrocarbon C15H10, of a complex structure, found as one ingredient of the higher boiling portion of coal tar.

n. (context organic compound English) A polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon consisting of a benzene ring attached to each of the rings of a naphthalene molecule; it is carcinogenic, and is a product of incomplete combustion.

Fluoranthene is a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH). The molecule can be viewed as the fusion of naphthalene and benzene unit connected by a five-membered ring. Although samples are often pale yellow, the compound is colorless. It is soluble in nonpolar organic solvents. It is a member of the class of PAHs known as non-alternant PAHs because it has rings other than those with six carbon atoms. It is a structural isomer of the alternant PAH pyrene. It is not as thermodynamically stable as pyrene. Its name is derived from its fluorescence under UV light. It is used in the synthesis of Florantyrone.