Vicinal is an adjective that is used to describe something that is adjacent, neighboring, or situated close by. The term is commonly employed in different contexts, such as chemistry, crystallography, transportation, and urban planning.
In chemistry, 'vicinal' specifically refers to two substituents or groups attached to adjacent carbon atoms in an organic compound. For example, in the case of a carbon backbone, if two functional groups are bonded to two neighboring carbon atoms, they are called vicinal groups.
In crystallography, 'vicinal' refers to crystal planes that are adjacent to each other. These planes may exhibit similar properties or arrangements, allowing for different levels of reactivity, stability, or surface properties.
In transportation and urban planning, 'vicinal' often refers to roads, streets, or neighborhoods that are situated nearby. Vicinal roads may connect to a main road or serve as secondary routes providing access to residential areas, industries, or commercial centers.
Overall, the term 'vicinal' denotes proximity or adjacency between two entities, whether it be chemical groups in organic compounds, crystallographic planes in crystals, or roads and neighborhoods in urban settings. Its usage conveys the concept of something being next to or closely associated with another.
