Tropolone

Other names: Cyklohepta-2,4,6-trien-1-on

Harm score: 2 (Derivatives of natural substances)

Tropolone, also known as cyclohepta-2,4,6-trien-1-one, is an organic compound that belongs to the tropolone class. This simple aromatic tropolone is a derivative of cycloheptatriene with a carbonyl group =O and its molecular formula is C7H6O. In its pure form, the tropolone is characterised by its pale yellow colour and crystalline structure. It was first isolated in 1850 from a woody plant (Eucalyptus camaldulensis).

This chemical compound finds application in a number of industrial products and processes. For example, it is used in the production of various types of resins, dyes and varnishes. Tropolone is also a component of some medicines and cosmetics. In addition, it is rarely used as a complexing agent to remove trace metals from solutions. Due to its ability to form coordination complexes with metals, it is also part of some analytical procedures in laboratory conditions. In the pharmaceutical industry, it is used as a precursor for the production of some antibiotics such as rifamycin.