The helicene molecule is spelled /ˈhɛlɪsiːn ˈmɒlɪkjuːl/. The word features the usual English spelling conventions for sounds such as "h" and "c", while also adopting the IPA phonetic transcription to accurately represent the sounds within the word. The combination of "ce" in helicene produces the /s/ sound, while the final "e" in both parts of the word is silent. The IPA transcription allows for a precise understanding of the pronunciation of this scientific term.
A helicene molecule refers to a unique class of organic compounds characterized by their helical structure. The word "helicene" is derived from the combination of "helix" and "cene", which indicates a cyclic hydrocarbon. These molecules consist of a carbon backbone that forms a helical shape, resembling a spiral staircase. Helicene molecules exhibit chirality, meaning they possess non-superimposable mirror images, resulting in left-handed (P) and right-handed (M) forms.
Typically, helicenes contain five or six fused benzene rings, and their carbon atoms are arranged in a helical configuration. Their narrow, elongated shape allows for intriguing electronic and optical properties. Helicene molecules are known for their high chemical stability and strong π-conjugation, which contributes to their extensive application prospects in nanoelectronics, optoelectronics, and materials science.
These compounds have attracted significant attention from researchers due to their exceptional properties and potential applications in various fields. The chirality and helical shape of helicenes influence their behavior, such as their photophysical properties, crystal-packing arrangements, and self-assembly behaviors. Their unique structure and properties have encouraged the exploration of helicenes in fields like chiral catalysis, molecular electronics, and chiral recognition.
In summary, a helicene molecule is an organic compound with a helical structure comprised of fused benzene rings. These compounds possess chirality and exhibit remarkable electronic and optical properties, making them an intriguing subject of study for scientists in a range of fields.
The word "helicene" is derived from the combination of two words: "helix" and "cene".
- "Helix" refers to a three-dimensional curve or spiral shape, often associated with a spring or a spiral staircase. This term comes from the Latin word "helix" and the Greek word "helíx" meaning "spiral" or "coil".
- "Cene" is a suffix that is commonly used in chemistry to denote a class of organic compounds. The use of this suffix implies that the molecule is made up of a cyclic structure.
Therefore, combining "helix" and "cene", the term "helicene" refers to a molecule with a coiled or spiral shape that possesses a cyclic structure. Helicene molecules are characterized by their unique helical or spiral-shaped arrangement of carbon atoms.