Thermolysis of benzo[c]phenanthrene: Conversion of an alternant C18H12 PAH into non-alternant C18H10 PAHs

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/0040-4039(95)02320-8

The product composition of the pyrolysates obtained upon thermolysis of the alternant C₁₈H₁₂ PAH benzo[c]phenanthrene (1) is markedly pressure dependent. At 0.1-0.5 Torr (N₂ carrier gas, 1050-1150°C) 1 is converted into the non-alternant C₁₈H₁₀PAH's cyclopenta[cd]pyrene (4) and benzo[ghi]fluoranthene (5) which have been identified as abundant combustion effluents and are associated with fullerene formation.