C

Coumarin

IUPAC: chromen-2-one

C9H6O2 Organic Compounds CAS 91-64-5
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Quick Reference
Formula / NotationC9H6O2
CAS Number91-64-5
Molecular Weight146.14
Melting Point154 to 158 °F (NTP, 1992)
Boiling Point568 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992)
Density0.935 at 68 °F (NTP, 1992) - Less dense than water; will float
Solubilityless than 0.1 mg/mL at 63.5 °F (NTP, 1992)
AppearanceCoumarin appears as colorless crystals, flakes or colorless to white powder with a pleasant fragrant vanilla odor and a bitter aromatic burning taste. (NTP, 1992)
Also Known Aschromen-2-one; 91-64-5; 2H-Chromen-2-one; 2H-1-Benzopyran-2-one; cumarin; 1,2-Benzopyrone; Tonka bean camphor; Rattex; Coumarinic anhydride; Coumarine
CategoryOrganic Compounds

What is Coumarin?

Coumarin is a chromenone having the keto group located at the 2-position. It has a role as a fluorescent dye, a plant metabolite and a human metabolite.

Formula & Notation

C9H6O2

IUPAC Name: chromen-2-one

Other Names / Synonyms: chromen-2-one; 91-64-5; 2H-Chromen-2-one; 2H-1-Benzopyran-2-one; cumarin; 1,2-Benzopyrone; Tonka bean camphor; Rattex; Coumarinic anhydride; Coumarine

Properties & Characteristics

Appearance: Coumarin appears as colorless crystals, flakes or colorless to white powder with a pleasant fragrant vanilla odor and a bitter aromatic burning taste. (NTP, 1992). Molecular formula: C9H6O2. Molecular weight: 146.14 g/mol. Boiling point: 568 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992). Melting point: 154 to 158 °F (NTP, 1992). Density: 0.935 at 68 °F (NTP, 1992) - Less dense than water; will float. Solubility: less than 0.1 mg/mL at 63.5 °F (NTP, 1992). Vapor pressure: 0.01 mmHg at 117 °F ; 1 mmHg at 223 °F (NTP, 1992). LogP: 1.4.

Physical Data

PropertyValue
Melting Point154 to 158 °F (NTP, 1992)
Boiling Point568 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992)
Density0.935 at 68 °F (NTP, 1992) - Less dense than water; will float
Molecular Weight146.14
Solubilityless than 0.1 mg/mL at 63.5 °F (NTP, 1992)
AppearanceCoumarin appears as colorless crystals, flakes or colorless to white powder with a pleasant fragrant vanilla odor and a bitter aromatic burning taste. (NTP, 1992)

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 Coumarin
Formula C9H6O2
CAS Number 91-64-5
Molecular Weight 146.14
Synonyms chromen-2-one; 91-64-5; 2H-Chromen-2-one; 2H-1-Benzopyran-2-one; cumarin; 1,2-Benzopyrone; Tonka bean camphor; Rattex; Coumarinic anhydride; Coumarine

Frequently Asked Questions

Coumarin is a chromenone having the keto group located at the 2-position. It has a role as a fluorescent dye, a plant metabolite and a human 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.