Benzil meaning

Benzil is a compound with the formula C14H10O2 that is commonly used in organic synthesis.


Benzil definitions

Word backwards lizneb
Part of speech Noun
Syllabic division ben-zil
Plural The plural of the word "benzil" is "benzils."
Total letters 6
Vogais (2) e,i
Consonants (4) b,n,z,l

Benzil, also known as diphenylethane-1,2-dione, is a chemical compound composed of two phenyl groups attached to a central carbonyl group. It is commonly used in organic synthesis as a precursor for various pharmaceuticals and dyes.

Properties of Benzil

Benzil appears as white or light yellow crystals that are insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents such as ethanol and acetone. It has a melting point of around 95 degrees Celsius and a boiling point of approximately 344 degrees Celsius.

Uses of Benzil

Benzil is widely utilized in the synthesis of other organic compounds, particularly in the formation of various heterocycles and polymers. It is also employed in the production of UV-absorbing materials, photoinitiators, and pharmaceutical products.

Furthermore, benzil has applications in the field of organic chemistry as a reagent for oxidative coupling reactions and in the preparation of diketones. Its versatile nature makes it a valuable building block for the creation of more complex molecules.

Benzil is also utilized in the preparation of benzilic acid through a rearrangement reaction known as the benzilic acid rearrangement. This transformation involves the treatment of benzil with a strong base to form a carbon-carbon bond between the carbonyl carbon atoms, resulting in the production of benzilic acid.

Safety Considerations

While benzil is a useful compound in organic synthesis, it is essential to handle it with care due to its potential hazards. Proper safety precautions, such as wearing protective equipment and working in a well-ventilated area, should always be observed when handling this compound to avoid any potential risks.


Benzil Examples

  1. Benzil is commonly used as a precursor in the synthesis of various organic compounds.
  2. The benzil compound exhibits interesting fluorescent properties under UV light.
  3. Researchers are studying the potential antimicrobial properties of benzil derivatives.
  4. The complex structure of benzil makes it a versatile building block in organic chemistry.
  5. Benzil can be used as a photoinitiator in the polymerization of certain monomers.
  6. Chemists are exploring new synthetic routes to prepare benzil analogs with enhanced properties.
  7. The X-ray crystal structure of benzil provides valuable information for understanding its reactivity.
  8. Benzil is known to form stable complexes with various metal ions in coordination chemistry.
  9. The solubility of benzil in different solvents can affect its chemical behavior in reactions.
  10. Benzil derivatives have shown promising results in medical research for potential drug development.


Most accessed

Search the alphabet

  • #
  • Aa
  • Bb
  • Cc
  • Dd
  • Ee
  • Ff
  • Gg
  • Hh
  • Ii
  • Jj
  • Kk
  • Ll
  • Mm
  • Nn
  • Oo
  • Pp
  • Qq
  • Rr
  • Ss
  • Tt
  • Uu
  • Vv
  • Ww
  • Xx
  • Yy
  • Zz
  • Updated 29/06/2024 - 09:09:23