Isobenzofuran is a
bicyclic
A bicyclic molecule () is a molecule that features two joined rings. Bicyclic structures occur widely, for example in many biologically important molecules like α-thujene and camphor. A bicyclic compound can be carbocyclic (all of the ring ...
heterocycle
A heterocyclic compound or ring structure is a cyclic compound that has atoms of at least two different elements as members of its ring(s). Heterocyclic organic chemistry is the branch of organic chemistry dealing with the synthesis, proper ...
consisting of fused
cyclohexa-1,3-diene and
furan
Furan is a Heterocyclic compound, heterocyclic organic compound, consisting of a five-membered aromatic Ring (chemistry), ring with four carbon Atom, atoms and one oxygen atom. Chemical compounds containing such rings are also referred to as f ...
rings. It is
isomer
In chemistry, isomers are molecules or polyatomic ions with identical molecular formula – that is, the same number of atoms of each element (chemistry), element – but distinct arrangements of atoms in space. ''Isomerism'' refers to the exi ...
ic with
benzofuran
Benzofuran is the heterocyclic compound consisting of fused benzene and furan rings. This colourless liquid is a component of coal tar. Benzofuran is the structural nucleus (parent compound) of many related compounds with more complex stru ...
.
Isobenzofuran is highly reactive and rapidly polymerizes; however, it has been identified and prepared by
thermolysis of suitable precursors and trapped at low temperature.
Though isobenzofuran itself is not stable, it is the parent of related stable compounds with more complex structures,
such as the hindered analogue
1,3-diphenylisobenzofuran.
References
{{Simple aromatic rings
Simple aromatic rings