16.4. The benzyl and related groups

This section gives some examples of benzylic groups, showing the resonance stabilization.

Benzylic Carbocation

A benzylic carbocation is a resonance-stabilized carbocation in each of the two equally stable major resonance forms of which the formal charge of +1 is on a benzylic carbon.eg:The lightest benzylic carbocation 1 is called the benzyl carbocation.see also primary benzylic carbocation, secondary benzylic carbocation, tertiary benzylic carbocation.

Benzylic Radical

A benzylic radical is a resonance-stabilized radical in each of the two equally stable major resonance forms of which the unpaired electron is on a benzylic carbon.eg:The lightest benzylic radical 1 is called the benzyl radical.see also primary benzylic radical, secondary benzylic radical, tertiary benzylic radical