ALICYCLIC COMPOUND Meaning and
Definition
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An alicyclic compound, also known as alicycle, is a type of organic compound that possesses a closed-ring structure with carbon atoms forming the backbone of the molecule. Unlike aromatic compounds, alicyclic compounds do not exhibit a delocalized π-electron system within the ring structure and are not highly unsaturated. The term "alicyclic" is derived from the combination of "aliphatic" (meaning non-aromatic) and "cyclic" (referring to the ring structure).
Alicyclic compounds can consist of various ring sizes, ranging from three to as many as twelve carbon atoms. These rings can either be saturated or contain one or more double bonds, referred to as cycloalkanes and cycloalkenes, respectively. Additionally, alicyclic compounds can also incorporate functional groups, such as hydroxyl, carbonyl, or amino groups, providing them with specific chemical properties and reactivity.
Due to their closed-ring structure, alicyclic compounds often exhibit different physical and chemical properties compared to their acyclic counterparts. They may possess distinct steric and conformational characteristics, affecting their shape, flexibility, and intermolecular interactions. Alicyclic compounds find numerous applications across various fields, including pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, flavors, fragrances, and materials science.
Overall, the term "alicyclic compound" refers to a class of organic compounds characterized by their non-aromatic, closed-ring structure formed by carbon atoms, which can have different sizes, saturation levels, and functional groups.
Common Misspellings for ALICYCLIC COMPOUND
- zlicyclic compound
- slicyclic compound
- wlicyclic compound
- qlicyclic compound
- akicyclic compound
- apicyclic compound
- aoicyclic compound
- alucyclic compound
- aljcyclic compound
- alkcyclic compound
- alocyclic compound
- al9cyclic compound
- al8cyclic compound
- alixyclic compound
- alivyclic compound
- alifyclic compound
- alidyclic compound
- alictclic compound
- alicgclic compound
Etymology of ALICYCLIC COMPOUND
The word "alicyclic" is derived from two roots: "ali-" and "cyclic".
- "Ali-" comes from the Ancient Greek word "aliós", meaning "other" or "different". It is often used as a prefix to express alteration or variation. In the case of "alicyclic", it signifies a difference from the regular or typical structure of cyclic compounds.
- "Cyclic" comes from the Latin word "cyclus", which means "circle" or "ring". It refers to compounds that contain a closed-ring structure.
Combining these roots, "alicyclic" was coined to describe compounds that possess a cyclical structure but differ from the typical characteristics of cyclic compounds, such as aromaticity or aliphatic nature.
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