BENZYL Meaning and
Definition
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Benzyl is a noun that refers to an organic chemical compound derived from benzene. It is commonly represented by the chemical formula C6H5CH2, which consists of a benzene ring bonded to a methyl group (-CH2-).
In terms of chemical structure, benzyl resembles a benzene molecule where one of the hydrogen atoms of the benzene ring is substituted by a methyl group. This substitution imparts some distinct properties and reactivity to benzyl compounds compared to benzene itself.
Benzyl compounds have found widespread applications in various fields, including organic synthesis, pharmaceuticals, perfumes, and industrial chemicals. The benzyl group serves as a versatile building block, enabling the creation of various derivative compounds with different functional groups.
The benzyl functional group is known for its stability but is prone to undergo nucleophilic substitution reactions due to the presence of a relatively weak carbon-hydrogen bond. Consequently, benzyl compounds can be easily modified by replacing the hydrogen atom with other substituents to induce specific chemical properties.
Some common examples of benzyl compounds include benzyl alcohol (C6H5CH2OH), benzyl chloride (C6H5CH2Cl), and benzylamine (C6H5CH2NH2). Each of these compounds possesses unique chemical and physical properties that make them valuable in different applications.
In summary, benzyl is an organic compound derived from benzene, characterized by a methyl group substituted onto a benzene ring. Its versatility and reactivity make it a significant component in several industries.
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A hydrocarbon radical, C7H7, or C6H5CH2.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for BENZYL
Etymology of BENZYL
The word "benzyl" derives from the name of the substance benzene, which is a hydrocarbon compound consisting of six carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal ring. Benzene was first isolated in 1825 by the British chemist Michael Faraday and named by the German chemist Eilhardt Mitscherlich in 1833. The word "benzene" itself was derived from the German word "Benzin", which originally referred to a liquid obtained from the coal tar and later came to specifically denote the chemical compound benzene. The term "benzyl" arises from the attachment of a methyl group (-CH3) to benzene, resulting in the compound known as benzyl.
Similar spelling words for BENZYL
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