Benzopyrene

A benzopyrene is an organic compound with the formula C20H12. Structurally, these colourless pentacyclic hydrocarbons are related to pyrene by fusion of a phenylene group. Two isomeric species are benzo[a]pyrene and the less common benzo[e]pyrene. Related compounds include cyclopentapyrenes, dibenzopyrenes, indenopyrenes and naphthopyrenes.

Benzopyrene is a component of pitch. Related pentacyclic aromatic species include picene, benzofluoranthenes, and perylene. Benzopyrenes are problematic because they intercalate into DNA, interfering with transcription. They are considered pollutants and carcinogens.

They can be found in coal tar (after a forest fire), after eruption of volcanoes, in cigarette smoke, wood smoke, and in burnt foods such as coffee.

Evidence exists to link benzo[a]pyrene to the formation of lung cancer.