The word "benzylic" is commonly used in organic chemistry to refer to a carbon atom that is directly attached to a benzene ring. Despite its complex spelling, the pronunciation of "benzylic" is quite simple when broken down using IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable is pronounced as "benz" with a soft "z" sound, followed by the "y" sound in "yes". The final syllable is pronounced as "lick" with a hard "k" sound. Together, the word is pronounced as [ˈbɛnzɪlɪk].
The term "benzylic" refers to a chemical functional group or position in an organic compound that is directly connected to a benzene ring. More specifically, it describes the atoms or substituents attached to the carbon atoms of a benzene ring that are adjacent to the carbon atom bonded to the rest of the molecule.
In organic chemistry, a benzene ring consists of six carbon atoms with alternating single and double bonds, resulting in a planar, aromatic structure. The benzylic position refers to the carbon atom directly bonded to the benzene ring, while benzylic atoms or substituents are those bonded to this adjacent carbon atom.
The benzylic position is of particular interest due to the unique reactivity associated with it. The presence of a benzene ring can significantly influence the behavior and properties of compounds, making benzylic compounds reactive and subject to various chemical transformations. Benzylic positions are frequently involved in reactions that include oxidation, reduction, substitution, and addition, enabling the introduction of novel functionalities or modifications to the benzene ring.
Benzylic compounds, due to their reactivity, find applications in organic synthesis, pharmaceuticals, and materials science. The benzylic position often serves as a site for selective modifications or as a handle for further functionalization. Understanding the reactivity and properties of benzylic compounds is crucial for the design and synthesis of new molecules or materials in a range of scientific disciplines.
Relating to or containing benzyl.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "benzylic" is derived from the term "benzyl", which in turn comes from the compound benzyl chloride. Benzyl chloride refers to an organic compound containing a benzene ring that is attached to a methylene (CH₂) group, denoted as -CH₂Cl. The term "benzyl" was coined in the mid-19th century and was derived by combining the stem benz- from benzene with the suffix -yl, which is commonly used in organic chemistry to indicate a substitution on a hydrocarbon chain. Thus, "benzylic" refers to a chemical functional group or a position on a molecule where there is a substitution adjacent to the benzene ring.