Definition

This word describes a type of organic compound that has a ring structure but does not have the special properties of aromatic compounds. It combines features of both straight-chain and ring-shaped molecules.

Example

The chemist studied alicyclic compounds to understand their unique properties.

Conversation

I was reading about different chemical compounds, and I came across the term alicyclic.

Oh really? What does that mean exactly?

It refers to organic compounds that have a ring structure but aren't aromatic, which is pretty interesting.

That does sound cool! Chemistry has so many unique terms.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Alicyclic → It is formed from "ali-" (from Latin "alius", meaning other) and "cyclic" (from Greek "kyklos", meaning circle or ring). The term describes a structure that is cyclic but not aromatic, indicating a different type of ring structure in chemistry.

Memory Tip

Think of 'other' ('ali-') structures that are in a 'circle' ('cyclic') — that's what alicyclic refers to.

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