benzene ring

American  

noun

Chemistry.

1. the graphic representation of the structure of benzene as a hexagon with a carbon atom at each of its points. Each carbon atom is united with an atom of hydrogen, one or more of which may be replaced to form benzene derivatives.

---

benzene ring British  

noun

1. Also called: benzene nucleus.  the hexagonal ring of bonded carbon atoms in the benzene molecule or its derivatives See also Kekulé formula

---

benzene ring Scientific  

1. A hexagonal arrangement of six carbon atoms, each atom bonded to its adjacent atoms by a single covalent bond, and by an unusual ring bond of electrons shared by all six carbon atoms. The benzene ring is a basic component of many organic compounds, especially the aromatic hydrocarbons. In benzene itself, each carbon atom is also bonded to a hydrogen atom; in derivatives of benzene, one or more of the hydrogen atoms is replaced by other atoms or groups of atoms.

---

Etymology

Origin of benzene ring

First recorded in 1875–80