Definition

A chemical group or radical that consists of two hydrogen atoms and one carbon atom, often found in various organic compounds.

Example

Methylene is commonly used in the production of plastics and other synthetic materials.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of methylene in chemistry?

Yeah, I think it’s related to some hydrocarbons, right?

Exactly! It’s a bivalent group that appears in unsaturated hydrocarbons.

That’s cool! I always find it fascinating how these compounds are connected.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Methylene is formed from "methylen" (from Greek "methu" meaning wine and "hyle" meaning wood or matter). The term originally referred to a compound derived from wood alcohol, linking it to its chemical structure.

Memory Tip

Think of 'wood' ('hyle') and 'wine' ('methu') to remember that methylene is related to a compound derived from organic materials.

Visually Confused Words