Soviet Medical Encyclopedia

Benzyl

Biochemistry, Chemistry & Physics

Also known as: Benzil

Historical document, translated for reference. It reflects medical knowledge of the 1920s–30s and is not medical advice.

Summary

This 1930s article from the Great Medical Encyclopedia defines benzyl in organic chemistry as both a monovalent hydrocarbon radical (C6H5.CH2) and as diphenyl diketone (C6H5.COCOC6H5). It details the physical properties and preparation of diphenyl diketone through the oxidation of benzoin with nitric acid.

Encyclopedia entry (1928–1936)

BENZYL, a term having two meanings in organic chemistry: 1) the name of the monovalent hydrocarbon residue (radical) C6H5.CH2, which does not exist in the free state; of the benzyl compounds, the best known are benzyl alcohol, C6H5.CH2OH, and benzyl chloride, C6H5CH2Cl; 2) the name of diphenyl diketone, C6H5.COCOC6H5; a solid substance crystallizing from alcohol in yellow prisms; melting point 95°, boiling point at a pressure of 12 mm 188°. It is obtained by the oxidation of benzoin with nitric acid.

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Cite this page

“Benzyl.” Soviet Medical Encyclopedia. English translation of Bolshaya Meditsinskaya Entsiklopediya, 1st ed. (Moscow, 1928–1936), ed. N. A. Semashko. https://sovietmedicalencyclopedia.pages.dev/article/benzyl/