B

Benzophenone

IUPAC: diphenylmethanone

C13H10O Organic Compounds CAS 119-61-9
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Quick Reference
Formula / NotationC13H10O
CAS Number119-61-9
Molecular Weight182.22
Melting Pointalpha-118.6 °F; beta-79 °F; gamma-117 °F. (NTP, 1992)
Boiling Point582.6 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992)
Density1.085 at 122 °F (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water; will sink
SolubilityInsoluble (<1 mg/ml at 77 °F) (NTP, 1992)
AppearanceBenzophenone appears as white solid with a flowery odor. May float or sink in water. (USCG, 1999)
Also Known Asdiphenylmethanone; 119-61-9; Diphenyl ketone; Benzoylbenzene; Methanone, diphenyl-; Phenyl ketone; alpha-Oxoditane; Ketone, diphenyl; Diphenylketone; Benzene, benzoyl-
CategoryOrganic Compounds

What is Benzophenone?

Benzophenone is the simplest member of the class of benzophenones, being formaldehyde in which both hydrogens are replaced by phenyl groups. It has a role as a photosensitizing agent and a plant metabolite.

Formula & Notation

C13H10O

IUPAC Name: diphenylmethanone

Other Names / Synonyms: diphenylmethanone; 119-61-9; Diphenyl ketone; Benzoylbenzene; Methanone, diphenyl-; Phenyl ketone; alpha-Oxoditane; Ketone, diphenyl; Diphenylketone; Benzene, benzoyl-

Properties & Characteristics

Appearance: Benzophenone appears as white solid with a flowery odor. May float or sink in water. (USCG, 1999). Molecular formula: C13H10O. Molecular weight: 182.22 g/mol. Boiling point: 582.6 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992). Melting point: alpha-118.6 °F; beta-79 °F; gamma-117 °F. (NTP, 1992). Density: 1.085 at 122 °F (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water; will sink. Solubility: Insoluble (<1 mg/ml at 77 °F) (NTP, 1992). Vapor pressure: 0.00193 [mmHg]. LogP: 3.4.

Physical Data

PropertyValue
Melting Pointalpha-118.6 °F; beta-79 °F; gamma-117 °F. (NTP, 1992)
Boiling Point582.6 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992)
Density1.085 at 122 °F (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water; will sink
Molecular Weight182.22
SolubilityInsoluble (<1 mg/ml at 77 °F) (NTP, 1992)
AppearanceBenzophenone appears as white solid with a flowery odor. May float or sink in water. (USCG, 1999)

Uses & Applications

Used as an industrial feedstock, solvent, pharmaceutical intermediate, flavoring agent, or chemical building block.

Safety Information

Flammable or irritant. Many organic compounds are flammable liquids or vapours. Keep away from ignition sources. Consult SDS for specific hazard data.

Always consult the SDS/MSDS before handling any chemical. This information is for educational purposes only.

Key Facts

Term Benzophenone
Formula C13H10O
CAS Number 119-61-9
Molecular Weight 182.22
Synonyms diphenylmethanone; 119-61-9; Diphenyl ketone; Benzoylbenzene; Methanone, diphenyl-; Phenyl ketone; alpha-Oxoditane; Ketone, diphenyl; Diphenylketone; Benzene, benzoyl-

Frequently Asked Questions

Benzophenone is the simplest member of the class of benzophenones, being formaldehyde in which both hydrogens are replaced by phenyl groups. It has a role as a photosensitizing agent and a plant metabolite.

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Editorial standards: Chemical data is sourced from peer-reviewed literature, CAS Registry, NIST WebBook, and PubChem. Safety information reflects guidance from OSHA, ECHA, and IAEA. For educational purposes only — always consult official SDS documentation and qualified professionals before handling chemicals.