ALLYLIC CARBON β BENZYLLIC CARBON β VINYLLIC CARBON.
Letβs break down the difference between Allylic, Benzylic, and Vinylic carbons β important concepts in organic chemistry, especially in understanding reactivity and stability of molecules.
1. Allylic Carbon
Definition:
An allylic carbon is a carbon atom that is adjacent to a carbon-carbon double bond (C=C).
Structure:
C=CβC(Allylic carbon is the single-bonded carbon next to the double bond)\text{C=CβC} \quad \text{(Allylic carbon is the single-bonded carbon next to the double bond)}
Example:
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In propene (CHβ=CHβCHβ), the CHβ carbon is allylic.
Properties:
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Allylic positions are more reactive due to the possibility of resonance stabilization of intermediates (like allylic carbocations or radicals).
2. Benzylic Carbon
Definition:
A benzylic carbon is a carbon atom that is directly attached to a benzene ring, and is not part of the ring itself.
Structure:
C6H5βCH2βR(The CHβ is benzylic)\text{C}_6\text{H}_5βCH_2βR \quad \text{(The CHβ is benzylic)}
Example:
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In toluene (CβHβ βCHβ), the CHβ group contains a benzylic carbon.
Properties:
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Highly reactive due to resonance stabilization from the aromatic ring.
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Benzylic carbocations, radicals, and anions are all resonance stabilized.
3. Vinylic Carbon
Definition:
A vinylic carbon is a carbon atom that is directly involved in a double bond (C=C).
Structure:
C=C(Both carbons are vinylic)\text{C=C} \quad \text{(Both carbons are vinylic)}
Example:
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In ethene (CHβ=CHβ), both CHβ groups contain vinylic carbons.
Properties:
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Less reactive toward many substitution reactions.
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Vinylic carbocations are not resonance stabilized, so they are less stable.
Comparison Table:
Type | Definition | Example | Reactivity Level |
---|---|---|---|
Allylic | Adjacent to C=C | CHβ=CHβCHβ | High (resonance) |
Benzylic | Adjacent to benzene ring | CβHβ βCHβ (Toluene) | Very high (resonance) |
Vinylic | Part of a C=C bond | CHβ=CHβ (Ethene) | Low |
Would you like me to show resonance structures or reaction examples for each type?