Question

How is the benzene ring named if it is considered a substituent in another molecule? Give the structures and names of two examples.

Short answer

When a benzene ring acts as a substituent in another molecule, it is named as a "phenyl" group. Two examples include: 1. Phenylmethane: An organic compound where a phenyl group is attached to a methane molecule at one hydrogen atom. Its IUPAC name is (Phenyl)methane. Structure: H H \ / C / \ H - C = C = C - H | | H H 2. Phenylpropane: A compound with a phenyl group attached to a propane molecule at one terminal carbon atom. Its IUPAC name is (Phenyl)propane. Structure: H H \ / C / \ H - C - C - C - H | | | H H H

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Benzene Ring as a Substituent

When a benzene ring is attached to a larger molecule and acts as a substituent, it is referred to as a "phenyl" group. In IUPAC nomenclature, the term "phenyl" is used to denote the presence of a benzene ring as a substituent. The order of substituents in the name of the compound follows the usual rules of IUPAC nomenclature.

Provide Examples of Benzene Ring as a Substituent

Now, we will provide two examples of compounds with the benzene ring as a substituent and show their structure and names.

Example 1: Phenylmethane

Phenylmethane, also known as benzyl methane, is an organic compound in which a phenyl group is attached to a methane (CH4) molecule at one of its hydrogen atoms. Here is its structure: H H \ / C / \ H - C = C = C - H | | H H Name: Phenylmethane IUPAC Name: (Phenyl)methane

Example 2: Phenylpropane

Phenylpropane, also known as propylbenzene, is another example of a compound with a benzene ring as a substituent. In this compound, a phenyl group is attached to a propane (C3H8) molecule at one of its terminal carbon atoms. Here is its structure: H H \ / C / \ H - C - C - C - H | | | H H H Name: Phenylpropane IUPAC Name: (Phenyl)propane