Diphenyl

/ˈdɪfɛnəl/ noun

Definition

A chemical compound consisting of two phenyl groups (aromatic rings) bonded together, used as a starting material in organic synthesis and industrial chemistry.

Etymology

From 'di-' (two) and 'phenyl' (an aromatic hydrocarbon group derived from benzene). The term emerged in 19th-century organic chemistry as chemists identified this fundamental structure.

Kelly Says

Diphenyl is basically the molecular equivalent of Lego connectors—put two of these phenyl rings together and suddenly you have the starting material for making everything from pesticides to pharmaceuticals to flame retardants!

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