Carbocyclic

/ˌkɑrboʊˈsɪklɪk/ adjective

Definition

Describing a ring-shaped molecule made up entirely of carbon atoms, with no other elements in the ring structure.

Etymology

From 'carbo-' (carbon) and 'cyclic' (from Greek 'kyklos' meaning circle or ring). Coined in the late 19th century when chemists began distinguishing between different types of ring structures in organic molecules.

Kelly Says

Benzene is the classic carbocyclic compound—six carbon atoms arranged in a perfect hexagon—and it's everywhere: in gasoline, aspirin, dyes, and plastics, making it one of chemistry's most important building blocks.

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