Xanthene

Xanthene (9H-xanthene, 10H-9-oxaanthracene) is a yellow organic heterocyclic compound. Its chemical formula is 1310. It is soluble in ether. Its melting point is 101-102 °C and its boiling point is 310-312 °C.

Xanthene is used in organic synthesis. It is used as a fungicide.

Xanthene is a basis of a class of dyes; eg. fluorescein, eosins, and rhodamines are derived from its structure. Xanthene dyes tend to be fluorescent, yellow to pink to bluish red, brilliant dyes.

Many xanthene dyes can be prepared by condensation of derivates of phthalic anhydride with derivates of resorcinol or 3-aminophenol.

Xanthene can also be used as a name of any of xanthene derivates.