arylformyl

Arylformyl refers to a functional group in organic chemistry characterized by an aldehyde group (-CHO) directly attached to an aromatic ring (aryl group). This group is also known as an aromatic aldehyde or formylarene. The general structure can be represented as Ar-CHO, where Ar denotes an aryl substituent, such as phenyl, naphthyl, or other aromatic systems.

Arylformyl compounds are important intermediates in the synthesis of a wide range of organic molecules. They are reactive due to the electrophilic nature of the carbonyl carbon atom, making them susceptible to nucleophilic attack. This reactivity allows them to participate in various reactions, including oxidation to carboxylic acids, reduction to alcohols, and addition reactions with nucleophiles like Grignard reagents and organolithium compounds.

Common examples of arylformyl compounds include benzaldehyde, which is the simplest aromatic aldehyde and has a phenyl group attached to the formyl group. Other examples include vanillin (4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde) and cinnamaldehyde (3-phenyl-2-propenal), both of which are found in nature and have distinct aromatic properties. The presence of the aryl group influences the electronic and steric properties of the aldehyde, affecting its reactivity and spectroscopic characteristics. Arylformyl compounds are utilized in the production of pharmaceuticals, dyes, fragrances, and polymers.