benzyl radical
- noun
- /ˈbɛn.zɪl ˈræd.ɪ.kəl/
- Specialized
- When toluene loses a hydrogen atom, it forms a benzyl radical.
Examples
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The benzyl radical plays a key role in certain organic reactions.
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The benzyl radical is commonly used in organic synthesis.
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Researchers investigated the stability of the benzyl radical under different conditions.
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Many reactions involve the benzyl radical as an intermediate.
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When toluene loses a hydrogen atom, it forms a benzyl radical.
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The benzyl radical plays a key role in certain organic reactions.
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Researchers investigated the stability of the benzyl radical under different conditions.
Synonyms
A part of a molecule with a six-carbon ring and a CH2 that attaches to other molecules
A part of a molecule made from toluene when one hydrogen is removed from its methyl group
Surface Forms
Morphology
This is a directly compositional technical noun phrase: 'benzyl' names the specific organic group and 'radical' names the reactive species, so together they denote the radical derived from the benzyl group. Given knowledge of both constituent meanings, a B1 learner can reliably infer the MWE's meaning because it follows standard noun–noun specification patterns common in chemistry terminology.
Etymology
Benzyl radical starts with benzyl, from the name 'benzene' plus a short ending that means a single chemical group, and ends with radical, a word chemists use for a 'free part' of a molecule. Imagine a small piece written C6H5CH2– left after one hydrogen is taken away; that's why benzyl radical means that free chemical group today.