α-Nitrostilbene

α-Nitrostilbene, also known as 2-nitro-1,2-diphenylethene, is a chemical compound that belongs to the class of organic compounds known as nitrostilbenes. It is an organic molecule that consists of a stilbene core with a nitro group attached to one of the phenyl rings. It is a yellow crystalline solid that is slightly soluble in water but highly soluble in organic solvents such as ethanol and acetone. α-Nitrostilbene has a wide range of applications in the field of organic chemistry. It is commonly used as a precursor in the synthesis of other organic compounds, such as dyes, pharmaceuticals, and agrochemicals. It is also used in the production of fluorescent materials, as well as in the preparation of polymer resins and adhesives. From a chemical perspective, α-nitrostilbene is classified as a nitro compound. It contains a nitro group (-NO2) which is a functional group that is often found in explosives and other high-energy materials. The presence of the nitro group in α-nitrostilbene makes it a highly reactive molecule. It is prone to undergo various chemical reactions such as reduction, oxidation, and nitration. This reactivity makes α-nitrostilbene an important intermediate in the synthesis of other organic compounds.