Methylene: meaning, definitions and examples
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methylene
[ ˈmɛθəˌliːn ]
chemical compound
Methylene is a colorless, flammable gas with a slightly sweet odor, widely used in organic chemical reactions and as a solvent. It is a part of important compounds like formaldehyde and is instrumental in the production of synthetic materials.
Synonyms
methanol, methylene group
Examples of usage
- Methylene blue is often used as a dye in biological research.
- The reaction requires methylene chloride as a solvent.
- Methylene is key in the synthesis of methylene glycol.
Word origin
The term 'methylene' derives from the French word 'méthylène', which combines 'methyl' and the suffix '-ene'. The etymology reflects the structure of the molecule, as 'methyl' refers to the one-carbon group (CH3) and the '-ene' indicates the presence of a double bond in its configuration. Methylene first emerged in the chemical literature in the mid-19th century during the early study of organic chemistry. As chemists delved deeper into the composition of organic compounds, substances such as methylene became pivotal in understanding chemical structures. Its identification and use have evolved since then, with methylene becoming a critical component in various industrial processes, including dye manufacturing and plastics production. The understanding of methylene in chemical reactions has led to significant advancements in both synthetic organic chemistry and industrial applications.