B

Biphenyl

IUPAC: 1,1'-biphenyl

C12H10 Organic Compounds CAS 92-52-4
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Quick Reference
Formula / NotationC12H10
CAS Number92-52-4
Molecular Weight154.21
Melting Point156 to 160 °F (NTP, 1992)
Boiling Point489 to 491 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992)
Density0.992 at 68 °F (USCG, 1999) - Less dense than water; will float
SolubilityInsoluble (NTP, 1992)
AppearanceBiphenyl appears as a clear colorless liquid with a pleasant odor. Flash point 180 °F. Insoluble in water. Vapors are heavier than air. Used to manufacture other chemicals and as a fungicide.
Also Known As1,1'-biphenyl; 1,1'-Biphenyl; 92-52-4; Phenylbenzene; DIPHENYL; Bibenzene; Lemonene; Xenene; 1,1'-Diphenyl; Phenador-X
CategoryOrganic Compounds

What is Biphenyl?

Biphenyl is a benzenoid aromatic compound that consists of two benzene rings connected by a single covalent bond. Biphenyl occurs naturally in coal tar, crude oil, and natural gas. Formerly used as a fungicide for citrus crops. It has a role as an antimicrobial food preservative and an antifungal agrochemical. It is a member of benzenes, a member of biphenyls and an aromatic fungicide.

Formula & Notation

C12H10

IUPAC Name: 1,1'-biphenyl

Other Names / Synonyms: 1,1'-biphenyl; 1,1'-Biphenyl; 92-52-4; Phenylbenzene; DIPHENYL; Bibenzene; Lemonene; Xenene; 1,1'-Diphenyl; Phenador-X

Properties & Characteristics

Appearance: Biphenyl appears as a clear colorless liquid with a pleasant odor. Flash point 180 °F. Insoluble in water. Vapors are heavier than air. Used to manufacture other chemicals and as a fungicide.. Molecular formula: C12H10. Molecular weight: 154.21 g/mol. Boiling point: 489 to 491 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992). Melting point: 156 to 160 °F (NTP, 1992). Density: 0.992 at 68 °F (USCG, 1999) - Less dense than water; will float. Solubility: Insoluble (NTP, 1992). Vapor pressure: 0.005 mmHg (NIOSH, 2024). LogP: 4.

Physical Data

PropertyValue
Melting Point156 to 160 °F (NTP, 1992)
Boiling Point489 to 491 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992)
Density0.992 at 68 °F (USCG, 1999) - Less dense than water; will float
Molecular Weight154.21
SolubilityInsoluble (NTP, 1992)
AppearanceBiphenyl appears as a clear colorless liquid with a pleasant odor. Flash point 180 °F. Insoluble in water. Vapors are heavier than air. Used to manufacture other chemicals and as a fungicide.

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 Biphenyl
Formula C12H10
CAS Number 92-52-4
Molecular Weight 154.21
Synonyms 1,1'-biphenyl; 1,1'-Biphenyl; 92-52-4; Phenylbenzene; DIPHENYL; Bibenzene; Lemonene; Xenene; 1,1'-Diphenyl; Phenador-X

Frequently Asked Questions

Biphenyl is a benzenoid aromatic compound that consists of two benzene rings connected by a single covalent bond. Biphenyl occurs naturally in coal tar, crude oil, and natural gas. Formerly used as a fungicide for citrus crops. It has a role as an antimicrobial food preservative and an antifungal agrochemical. It is a member of benzenes, a member of biphenyls and an aromatic fungicide.

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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.