| Benzo[a]pyrene | |
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| (verify) (what is: /?) Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa) |
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| Benzo[e]pyrene | |
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| (verify) (what is: /?) Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa) |
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A benzopyrene is an organic compound with the formula C20H12. Structurally, these colourless pentacyclic hydrocarbons are related to pyrene by fusion of a phenylene group. Two isomeric species are benzo[a]pyrene and the less common benzo[e]pyrene. Related compounds include cyclopentapyrenes, dibenzopyrenes, indenopyrenes and naphthopyrenes.
Benzopyrene is a component of pitch. Related pentacyclic aromatic species include picene, benzofluoranthenes, and perylene.[1] Benzopyrenes are problematic because they intercalate into DNA, interfering with transcription. They are considered pollutants and carcinogens.
They can be found in coal tar (after a forest fire), after eruption of volcanoes, in cigarette smoke, wood smoke, and in burnt foods such as coffee.
Evidence exists to link benzo[a]pyrene to the formation of lung cancer.[2]
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