Cycloheptyl

Cycloheptyl is a cycloalkyl group derived from cycloheptane. It consists of a ring of seven carbon atoms, each bonded to two hydrogen atoms, forming a saturated monocyclic hydrocarbon with the chemical formula C7H13. When cycloheptyl acts as a substituent in a larger molecule, it is represented by the structural formula -C7H13. The seven-membered ring structure of cycloheptyl offers a degree of conformational flexibility, allowing it to adopt various puckered shapes, such as the twist-boat and chair conformations, though the latter is less stable than in cyclohexane. Its physical and chemical properties are generally similar to other cycloalkyl groups, being nonpolar and exhibiting typical alkane reactivity, primarily undergoing reactions like combustion and radical halogenation under specific conditions. Cycloheptyl groups can be found as structural components in various organic compounds, including pharmaceuticals and natural products, where their size and conformational properties can influence the overall molecular shape and biological activity.