Phen

Phen is a term with multiple possible meanings, depending on context. It is not a single, universally defined concept, but rather a shorthand or fragment used in different fields.

In chemistry and related disciplines, phen may appear as an informal shorthand for phenyl, a phenyl group derived from benzene (C6H5–). In standard nomenclature, the phenyl substituent is usually designated as phenyl, sometimes abbreviated "Ph" in structural drawings; "phen" is not an official IUPAC prefix. The term can also occur as part of longer fragments such as phenethyl or phenoxy, but in these cases it denotes a phenyl-derived element rather than a separate compound called "phen."

As a personal name, Phen is found in some Southeast Asian communities, particularly in Myanmar, where it can serve as a given name. The use of "Phen" in names is independent of the chemical sense and is unrelated to phenyl groups.

Because of its generic nature, "phen" may appear in non-scientific contexts as a nickname, acronym, or placeholder; its meaning should be inferred from surrounding text.