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monocyclic

monocyclic

9.1
Having only one ring in a chemical compound, for example benzene
  • adjective
  • /ˌmɒnəˈsaɪklɪk/
  • Specialized
translation icon : monocíclico
  • Benzene is a monocyclic compound.

Examples

  • The scientist explained that the molecule was monocyclic rather than polycyclic.

  • A monocyclic structure can be more stable than polycyclic ones.

  • Benzene is a classic example of a monocyclic compound.

  • Many simple aromatic compounds are monocyclic in structure.

  • Benzene is a classic example of a monocyclic compound.

  • Many simple aromatic compounds are monocyclic in structure.

  • The scientist explained that the molecule was monocyclic rather than polycyclic.

Antonyms

polycyclic
  • Specialized
1 8.2

Having several connected ring shapes in a molecule

How Cyclic

polycyclic
  • Specialized
1 8.2
bicyclic
  • Specialized
9.5
monocyclic
  • Specialized
9.1
acyclic
  • Specialized
8.8

Surface Forms

monocyclic positive

Morphology

monocyclic = cyclic (transparent) = mono + cycle + ic

The meaning follows directly from 'cyclic' with the prefix 'mono-' meaning one, giving 'having a single ring'.

Etymology

Monocyclic comes from mono- meaning 'one', as in monotone, and cycle meaning 'circle' or 'ring', as in bicycle. So, a monocyclic compound is a molecule with just 'one' ring, which is why the word means a single-ring structure.