Terphenyl
Introduction '''Terphenyls''' are a group of closely related aromatic hydrocarbons. Also known as '''diphenylbenzenes''' or '''triphenyls''', they consist of a central benzene ring substituted with two phenyl groups. There are three substitution patterns: ''ortho''-terphenyl, ''meta''-terphenyl, and ''para''-terphenyl. Commercial grade terphenyl is generally a mixture of the three isomers. This mixture is used in the production of polychlorinated terphenyls, which were formerly used as heat storage and transfer agents. ''p''-Terphenyl derivatives are found in various fungi and bacteria. One example is atromentin, a pigment found in some mushrooms. These natural ''p''-terphenyls are better described as diphenylquinones or diphenylhydroquinones. Some m-terphenyl compounds occur in plants.File:ortho-terphenyl.png|''ortho''-TerphenylFile:meta-terphenyl.png|''meta''-TerphenylFile:para-terphenyl.png|''para''-Terphenyl
See also * Biphenyl* Terpyridine* Terthiophene
References
External links *  p-Terphenyl at the Oregon Laser Medical Center*  o-Terphenyl,  m-Terphenyl,  p-Terphenyl at Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health