Definition

A type of hydrocarbon group that is derived from hexane, consisting of six carbon atoms and having one less hydrogen atom than hexane.

Example

The chemist used a hexyl group in the organic synthesis experiment.

Conversation

I was reading about different hydrocarbons and came across hexyl.

Oh really? What did you find interesting about it?

I learned that hexyl is derived from hexane and has several isomers.

That's cool! Chemistry can get pretty fascinating when you dig deeper.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Hexyl is derived from 'hex-' (from Greek 'hex', meaning six) and '-yl' (a suffix used in organic chemistry to denote a radical derived from a hydrocarbon). The term 'hexyl' refers to a group or radical derived from hexane, which has six carbon atoms.

Memory Tip

Think of 'hex-' meaning six, which helps you remember that 'hexyl' is related to a group derived from a six-carbon hydrocarbon.

Visually Confused Words