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16.4: The benzyl and related groups

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    This section gives some examples of benzylic groups, showing the resonance stabilization.

    Benzylic Carbocation

    A benzylic carbocation is a resonance-stabilized carbocation in each of the two equally stable major resonance forms of which the formal charge of +1 is on a benzylic carbon.eg:benzyliccarbocation1.pngThe lightest benzylic carbocation 1 is called the benzyl carbocation.benzyliccarbocation2.pngsee also primary benzylic carbocation, secondary benzylic carbocation, tertiary benzylic carbocation.

    Benzylic Radical

    A benzylic radical is a resonance-stabilized radical in each of the two equally stable major resonance forms of which the unpaired electron is on a benzylic carbon.eg:benzylicradical1.pngThe lightest benzylic radical 1 is called the benzyl radical.benzylicradical2.pngsee also primary benzylic radical, secondary benzylic radical, tertiary benzylic radical
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