A resurgence of interest in the chemistry of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) has been stimulated by the discovery of the fullerenes and the identification of the active metabolites of the carcinogenic polycyclic hydrocarbons. PAHs are widespread environmental pollutants. Improved understanding of their mechanisms of carcinogenesis has important implications for human cancer. PAHs also are finding increasing application in the synthesis of dyes, drugs, and numerous other types of compounds.

This volume is a timely, comprehensive survey of the chemistry of PAHs. It brings together in a single volume all essential information on the physical and spectral properties, methods of synthesis, chemical reactions, and molecular structures of a broad range of polyarenes, both alternant and nonalternant. A total of 358 ring systems are covered, 233 of which are nonalternant PAH compounds. This is the most complete account of the chemistry of PAHs currently available.

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons is an introduction to the chemistry of polycyclic hydrocarbons for organic chemists and advanced students of organic chemistry. It also will serve as a convenient reference source for serious investigators interested in the chemistry of polycyclic hydrocarbons, chemical carcinogenesis, and environmental pollution.