What is "terphenyl"

n. (context organic chemistry English) A tricyclic organic compound having the chemical formula C₆H₅C₆H₄C₆H₅.

Terphenyls are a group of closely related aromatic hydrocarbons. Also known as diphenylbenzenes or triphenyls, they consist of a central benzene ring substituted with two phenyl groups. The three isomers are ortho-terphenyl, meta-terphenyl, and para-terphenyl. Commercial grade terphenyl is generally a mixture of the three isomers. This mixture is used in the production of polychlorinated terphenyls, which were formerly used as heat storage and transfer agents.

p-Terphenyl is the most common isomer. It is used as a laser dye and a sunscreen ingredient.

|ortho-Terphenyl |meta-Terphenyl |para-Terphenyl