BENZYL ALCOHOLS Meaning and
Definition
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Benzyl alcohols are a class of organic compounds that belong to the family of alcohols. As the name suggests, these compounds are derived from benzene, a cyclic aromatic hydrocarbon, by replacing one hydrogen atom attached to the benzene ring with a hydroxyl group (-OH).
The general chemical formula for benzyl alcohols is C6H5CH2OH, where the benzene ring is attached to a methylene group (-CH2-) that is further attached to the hydroxyl group. This molecular structure gives benzyl alcohols their characteristic properties.
Benzyl alcohols are colorless liquids or white crystalline solids depending on their specific chemical structure and purity. They exhibit a pleasing aromatic odor reminiscent of almonds. Due to this characteristic scent, benzyl alcohols are often used as fragrance materials in perfumes, soaps, lotions, and other personal care products.
In addition to their aromatic properties, benzyl alcohols can undergo various chemical reactions due to the presence of the hydroxyl group. They are often used as intermediates in the synthesis of other chemicals, such as esters, ethers, and halides. Benzyl alcohols can be oxidized to benzaldehydes or further to benzoic acids.
Overall, benzyl alcohols represent an important group of compounds with diverse applications in the chemical industry, particularly in the fields of fragrance, cosmetics, and organic synthesis.
Common Misspellings for BENZYL ALCOHOLS
- venzyl alcohols
- nenzyl alcohols
- henzyl alcohols
- genzyl alcohols
- bwnzyl alcohols
- bsnzyl alcohols
- bdnzyl alcohols
- brnzyl alcohols
- b4nzyl alcohols
- b3nzyl alcohols
- bebzyl alcohols
- bemzyl alcohols
- bejzyl alcohols
- behzyl alcohols
- benxyl alcohols
- bensyl alcohols
- benayl alcohols
- benztl alcohols
- benzgl alcohols
- benzhl alcohols
Etymology of BENZYL ALCOHOLS
The word "benzyl" comes from the combination of "benzene" and "-yl", which is a suffix used in organic chemistry to indicate an alkyl group derived from an alkane hydrocarbon. Benzene is a hydrocarbon compound composed of six carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal ring with alternating single and double bonds.
The term "alcohol" originates from the Arabic word "al-kuḥul", which means "the kohl". It was initially used to refer to the substance formed from the chemical extraction of kohl, a dark cosmetic used in eyeliner. The term evolved over time, and in the field of chemistry, it now refers to a class of organic compounds that contain a hydroxyl (-OH) functional group attached to a carbon atom.
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