Chemistry:Phenacyl group

Short description: Functional group

Structure of a compound containing a phenacyl group

In organic chemistry, a phenacyl group is an aromatic substituent that consists of a phenyl group attached to an acyl group. A molecule containing a phenacyl group has the formula RCH₂(CO)C₆H₅ and the structure shown to the right. Here, R denotes the remainder of the molecule; for instance, if R is Br, then the compound could be called "phenacyl bromide". Note however that in the standard IUPAC nomenclature this compound would instead be called "2-bromo-1-phenylethanone".

Examples

• Phenacyl chloride is also known as CN gas.
• Phenacyl bromide, a toxic chemical mainly used in the production of other chemicals.
• N-phenacyl thiazolium bromide, a compound that breaks cross-links in Advanced glycation end products.