METHYLENE GROUP Meaning and
Definition
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The methylene group, also known as the methylene bridge or methanediyl group, is a chemical moiety consisting of two hydrogen atoms attached to a carbon atom. It is denoted by the formula -CH2-. The term "methylene" derives from the Greek words "methy," meaning "wine," and "hyle," meaning "wood," representing the fact that it was originally obtained from the destructive distillation of wood.
In organic chemistry, the methylene group serves as a crucial building block for the synthesis of various compounds. It acts as a common linker or connecting unit between different functional groups present in larger molecules. For instance, in organic molecules such as alkanes, alkenes, alcohols, amines, and various other organic compounds, the methylene group often functions as an integral part.
The methylene group can also play a significant role in the formation of double bonds within organic compounds. In certain reactions, it can be converted into a carbene, which is a highly reactive intermediate possessing a divalent carbon atom with two unshared electrons. Carbene formation involves the removal of a hydrogen atom from the methylene group, leaving behind an unpaired electron. Carbene compounds display reactivity that is valuable in various synthetic and catalytic applications.
Overall, the methylene group plays an essential role in the field of organic chemistry as a versatile building block and linker, contributing to the structure and reactivity of diverse organic compounds.
Common Misspellings for METHYLENE GROUP
- nethylene group
- kethylene group
- jethylene group
- mwthylene group
- msthylene group
- mdthylene group
- mrthylene group
- m4thylene group
- m3thylene group
- merhylene group
- mefhylene group
- meghylene group
- meyhylene group
- me6hylene group
- me5hylene group
- metgylene group
- metbylene group
- metnylene group
- metjylene group
Etymology of METHYLENE GROUP
The word "methylene" originates from the Greek word "méthylon", which means "wine spirit". It was derived from the Greek word "méthys", meaning "wine", as it was first isolated from the destructive distillation of wood alcohol (methanol) in the early 19th century. The term "methylene group" refers to a functional group consisting of a carbon atom bonded to two hydrogen atoms, denoted as -CH2-.
Similar spelling words for METHYLENE GROUP
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