Benz[a]anthracene-d12

Benz[a]anthracene-d12 is a deuterated form of the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) Benz[a]anthracene. It is a compound that is used as an internal standard in analytical chemistry, particularly in the analysis of PAHs in environmental samples. PAHs are a group of organic compounds that are formed by the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels, wood, and other organic materials. PAHs are ubiquitous in the environment, and exposure to them has been linked to cancer and other health effects. Benz[a]anthracene-d12 is used as an internal standard because it is similar in chemical structure to other PAHs, but it has a slightly different molecular weight due to the presence of deuterium atoms. This makes it useful for quantifying the amount of other PAHs in a sample, as it can be easily distinguished from them using mass spectrometry. In terms of its chemical properties, Benz[a]anthracene-d12 is a crystalline solid that is insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents such as methanol and acetone. It has a melting point of 234-238°C and a boiling point of 535°C. Its chemical formula is C18H8D12. Overall, Benz[a]anthracene-d12 is an important analytical tool for the detection and quantification of PAHs in environmental samples, and its use helps to improve our understanding of the sources and effects of these potentially harmful compounds.