Perylene or perilene is a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon with the chemical formula C20H12, occurring as a brown solid.

In cell membrane cytochemistry, perylene is used as a fluorescent lipid probe.

Like other polycyclic aromatic compounds, perylene is reduced by alkali metals to give a deeply colored radical anion and a dianion.

It has an absorption maximum at 434 nm, and as with all polycyclic aromatic compounds, low water solubility (1.2 x 10−5 mmol/L).

[4] Naturally occurring perylene quinones have been identified in lichens Laurera sanguinaria Malme and Graphis haematites Fée.