Edit page | Page history | Printable version

phenyl

(Science: chemistry) A hydrocarbon radical (C6H5) regarded as the essential residue of benzene, and the basis of an immense number of aromatic derivatives.

(Science: chemistry) Phenyl hydrate, a nitrogenous base (C6H5.N2H3) produced artificially as a colourless oil which unites with acids, ketones, etc, to form well-crystallized compounds.

Origin: Gr. To bring to light _ -yl: cf. F. Phenyle. So called because it is a by-product of illuminating gas.