phenylpropyl
Phenylpropyl is a generic term used in organic chemistry to describe a substituent consisting of a phenyl ring (benzene) attached to a three-carbon alkyl chain. In practice, the term denotes arylpropyl groups that can be attached to a larger molecule at different positions along the propyl chain, leading to several structural isomers. The principal isomers are 1-phenylpropyl and 2-phenylpropyl, with additional, less common forms such as 3-phenylpropyl. Each isomer differs in how the phenyl ring is connected to the propyl backbone, which in turn influences the resulting compound’s steric and electronic properties.
- 1-phenylpropyl: the phenyl ring is attached to the terminal carbon of the propyl chain.
- 2-phenylpropyl: the phenyl ring is attached to the middle carbon of the chain.
- 3-phenylpropyl: the phenyl ring is attached to the far end of the chain. The point of attachment
Phenylpropyl groups are hydrophobic and increase the lipophilicity of the parent compound. They occur as substituents
- Benzyl
Note: The term is used descriptively for substituents and is not a single defined chemical compound