methylphenyl

Methylphenyl is a generic term used in organic chemistry to describe a phenyl ring bearing a methyl substituent, i.e., a tolyl group. The methyl can be in one of three positions relative to the point of attachment to the rest of the molecule, yielding three common isomers: ortho-tolyl (2-methylphenyl), meta-tolyl (3-methylphenyl), and para-tolyl (4-methylphenyl). In systematic nomenclature these are designated as 2-methylphenyl, 3-methylphenyl, and 4-methylphenyl, with the abbreviations o-, m-, and p-tolyl frequently used in practice.

Structure and naming

The term methylphenyl refers to a benzene ring that carries one methyl substituent in addition to the point of attachment to another moiety. The reference position (ortho, meta, or para) describes the relative location of the attachment site on the ring to the methyl substituent. Tolyl groups are widely used as building blocks in synthetic chemistry and can be introduced via various aryl-alkyl coupling or substitution reactions.

Occurrence and uses

Tolyl groups appear in a broad range of organic compounds, including pharmaceuticals, dyes, polymers, and agrochemicals. They are encountered in reagents such as tolyl halides and in intermediates like tolyl derivatives used in cross-coupling reactions. The methylphenyl fragment can influence the hydrophobicity, steric profile, and electronic characteristics of a molecule, affecting its reactivity and properties.

Safety and additional notes

Compounds containing methylphenyl groups are derivatives of toluene and related aromatic systems; handling and use should follow standard safety practices for aromatic hydrocarbons, including awareness of flammability and potential irritation. Specific hazards depend on the exact compound and should be checked in its material safety data sheet.

See also

Tolyl; toluene derivatives; aryl substituents.