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Glite Dictionary
propyl radical

propyl radical

8.2
A small reactive part of a molecule made from propane when it loses one hydrogen
  • noun
  • /ˈproʊpəl ˈrædɪkəl/
  • Specialized
translation icon : radical propilo
  • When propane loses a hydrogen atom, a propyl radical is formed.

Examples

  • The propyl radical is often encountered as a substituent in organic synthesis reactions.

  • Scientists compared the reactivity of the propyl radical and the methyl radical in the experiment.

  • The propyl radical is often used in organic chemistry.

  • Can you explain what a propyl radical is?

  • The propyl radical is a crucial intermediate in the production of various organic compounds.

  • Chemists use the propyl radical to study reactions in organic chemistry.

  • After breaking down propane, they observed the formation of a propyl radical.

Synonyms

propyl
vspropyl radical
  • Specialized
8.7

A small group of three carbon atoms and seven hydrogen atoms attached to another molecule

is the same unit but stresses its role as a substituent
propyl group
vspropyl radical
  • Specialized
6.7

A small part of a molecule made of three carbon atoms and seven hydrogen atoms that attaches to others

is identical in formula but highlights use as a substituent in molecules

Surface Forms

propyl radical singular
propyl radicals plural

Morphology

propyl + radical

The term is directly compositional: 'propyl' specifies the C3H7 hydrocarbon group and 'radical' denotes a reactive species with an unpaired electron, so 'propyl radical' straightforwardly denotes the radical derived from a propyl group. Although both words are technical chemistry vocabulary (and may be unfamiliar to a typical B1 learner), their combination follows regular chemical naming and is predictable for anyone who knows the constituent meanings.

Etymology

Propyl radical comes from propyl, a part made from 'propane', and radical, a word chemists use for a very active fragment formed when one hydrogen atom is lost. So the term means a reactive group made from propane that can quickly join to other atoms.