Xanthone
IUPAC name	9H-xanthen-9-one
Other names	9-oxo-xanthene diphenyline ketone oxide
Identifiers
CAS number	90-47-1 Y
SMILES	O=C2C3=C(C=CC=C3) OC1=CC=CC=C12
Properties
Molecular formula	C13H8O2
Molar mass	196.19 g/mol
Appearance	off-white solid
Melting point	174 °C, 447 K, 345 °F
Boiling point	351 °C, 624 K, 664 °F
Solubility in water	sl. sol. in hot water
Hazards
R-phrases	R36/37/38
S-phrases	S26 S37[1]
Related compounds
Related compounds	xanthene
Y (what is this?)  (verify) Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa)
Infobox references

Xanthone is an organic compound with the molecular formula C₁₃H₈O₂. It can be prepared by the heating of phenyl salicylate.^[2] In 1939, xanthone was introduced as an insecticide and it currently finds uses as ovicide for codling moth eggs and as a larvicide.^[3] Xanthone is also used in the preparation of xanthydrol which used in the determination of urea levels in the blood.

[edit] Xanthone derivatives

The chemical structure of xanthone forms the central core of a variety of naturally occurring organic compounds, such as mangostin, which are sometimes collectively referred to as xanthones.^[4] Over 200 xanthones have been identified. Xanthones are natural constituents of plants in the families Bonnetiaceae and Clusiaceae and are found in some species in the family Podostemaceae.^[5] Many of these xanthones are found in the pericarp of the mangosteen fruit (Garcinia mangostana), which can be found in the region of Southeast Asia.

Synthetic derivatives of xanthone can be added during the polymerization of polyester, to form a plastic that has a greater resistance to degradation by ultraviolet light.^{[citation needed]} The most useful derivative is tetrahydroxyxanthone. Polyester film can be used for the production of third generation printed solar cells, to make them a cost effective alternative to silica-based solar energy generation. It was originally intended that the additive be used for polyester greenhouses in hot climates, where the plastic would degrade after a few years from UV exposure. The xanthone-treated product has an extended useful lifetime of ten years instead of three.

[edit] See also

• Xanthene
• Xanthine
• Xanthydrol

[edit] References