Fluorene

A tricyclic aromatic hydrocarbon forming small white crystal plates when pure. It is mutagenic, insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents. Like other polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, it can contaminate foods through smoke, combustion residues or polluted environments. Though less studied than benzo[a]pyrene, it is included in the suite of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons monitored in smoked foods, edible oils and cereals. Its mutagenicity in laboratory assays supports the general principle that combustion-derived contamination should be minimised through process control and environmental monitoring.