What is "fluorene"

Fluorene \Flu`or*ene\, n. (Chem.) A colorless, crystalline hydrocarbon, C13H10 having a beautiful violet fluorescence; whence its name. It occurs in the higher boiling products of coal tar, and is obtained artificially.

n. (context organic compound English) A polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon consisting of two benzene rings joined together directly, and also via a methylene bridge; it is used in light-emitting diodes.

Fluorene , or 9H-fluorene, is a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon. It forms white crystals that exhibit a characteristic, aromatic odor similar to that of naphthalene. It is combustible. It has a violet fluorescence, hence its name. For commercial purposes it is obtained from coal tar. It is insoluble in water and soluble in many organic solvents.