anthracene: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “anthracene” mean?
A solid, crystalline, aromatic hydrocarbon composed of three fused benzene rings, occurring in coal tar.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A solid, crystalline, aromatic hydrocarbon composed of three fused benzene rings, occurring in coal tar.
A starting material for the industrial production of dyes (notably alizarin) and other chemicals, and a model compound in the study of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning, spelling, or usage. Both use identical scientific spelling.
Connotations
Identical technical connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally rare outside of chemistry, chemical engineering, and environmental science contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “anthracene” in a Sentence
Anthracene is derived from XAnthracene reacts with YThe anthracene concentration was measured.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “anthracene” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The anthracene sample was purified.
- Anthracene derivatives are key intermediates.
American English
- The anthracene solution fluoresced under UV light.
- Anthracene-based dyes are common.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually unused. Possibly in contexts of chemical manufacturing or regulatory compliance reports.
Academic
Used in chemistry, chemical engineering, environmental science, and materials science research papers and textbooks.
Everyday
Never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Core term in organic chemistry and industrial chemistry for a specific compound and a class representative.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “anthracene”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “anthracene”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “anthracene”
- Mispronunciation: /ænˈθreɪsiːn/ or /ˈænθrəkeɪn/. Misspelling: 'anthracine', 'anthracene'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is considered a pollutant and a potential health hazard. It is a component of PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) which are often carcinogenic and require careful handling.
It is primarily derived from coal tar, a by-product of the coal carbonisation process used to make coke and coal gas.
Pure anthracene is colourless but exhibits a strong blue fluorescence under UV light.
Not directly. Its derivatives are used in the manufacture of dyes and some plastics, but the pure compound is not found in consumer goods.
A solid, crystalline, aromatic hydrocarbon composed of three fused benzene rings, occurring in coal tar.
Anthracene is usually technical/scientific in register.
Anthracene: in British English it is pronounced /ˈænθrəsiːn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈænθrəˌsiːn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of ANTHRAcite coal (where it's found) and the suffix -CENE (common in hydrocarbon names like benzene). 'Anthracene' is the 'crystalline' hydrocarbon from coal.
Conceptual Metaphor
None applicable; it is a literal, concrete scientific term.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary industrial significance of anthracene?