Definition

A chemical group derived from benzene, consisting of a phenyl group attached to a carbon-carbon double bond.

Example

The chemist used a benzal compound in the synthesis of the new drug.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of benzal compounds in chemistry?

Yeah, I think they're used in some types of fragrances, right?

Exactly! I read that they have interesting properties in organic chemistry.

That's cool! I should look more into benzal and its applications.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Benzal → The word is derived from 'benzene' (from German 'Benzol', which comes from 'benzoic acid', named after the gum benzoin) and '-al' (a suffix used in chemistry to denote an aldehyde). Benzal refers to a chemical compound related to benzene, specifically in the context of aldehydes.

Memory Tip

Think of 'benzene' as the base chemical structure, and remember that 'benzal' relates to a specific type of compound derived from it, particularly in the realm of aldehydes.

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