Acenaphthene

Acenaphthene is a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) consisting of naphthalene with an ethylene bridge connecting positions 1 and 8. An alternative name, 1,2-dihydroacenaphthylene, emphasizes that it is a hydrogenated form of acenaphthylene. It is a constituent of coal tar.

Acenaphthene was prepared the first time from coal tar by Marcellin Berthelot and after that with Bardy he synthesized it from α-ethyl naphthalene.

It is used in preparation of dyes, pesticides and pharmaceuticals.

It does not appear to be carcinogenic.