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Allylic Carbon: Meaning, Example, Hydrocarbon, Allylic Carbocation

Allylic Carbon: Meaning, Example, Hydrocarbon, Allylic Carbocation

Edited By Team Careers360 | Updated on Jul 02, 2025 05:10 PM IST

Vinyl carbons and allylic carbons are two types of double-bonded carbon atoms. The general formula for a vinyl group is R-CH=CH2, where both carbon atoms are joined by double bonds and R is attached to the vinyl position. The modern periodic table in which all currently known elements are arranged in ascending order of atomic number. 18 vertical columns are there and they are called groups and 7 horizontal rows are known as periods.

This Story also Contains
  1. Meaning Of Allylic Carbon
  2. Allylic Carbon Atoms
  3. Hydrocarbon
  4. Allylic Carbocation

Two rows of 14 elements, referred to as the f-block elements, make up the bottom of the periodic table. The current periodic table has a predominantly metal-filled left side and a non-metallic right side. Some substances have characteristics that fall between those of metals and nonmetals. These substances, known as metalloids, are located between metals and nonmetals in a zigzag pattern.

Meaning Of Allylic Carbon

  • Vinyl and allyl carbon atoms can be found among the double-bonded carbon atoms. R-CH=CH2 is the standard formula for a vinyl group, where both carbon atoms are joined by double bonds and R is attached to the vinyl position.

  • Both sp2 hybridised carbon atoms form a covalent double bond. The allylic position is also similar to the vinylic position. A double bond between two carbon atoms holds an allylic carbon to one of them.

  • The allylic carbon atom is represented by the asterisk in the generic formula for allyl, which is R-CH2-CH=CH2. The allylic carbon atom is joined to CH=CH2 by a single covalent connection, as opposed to the vinyl group, which results in the formation of an sp3 hybrid.

  • It gives the allyl group its unique chemical properties, and the presence of this group in various compounds results in the formation of allyl compounds, which are used in the production of various natural products such as natural rubber, terpenes, etc.

Allylic Carbon Atoms

The sp3 hybridised carbon atom of the allyl group RCH2-CH=CH2 linked to the -CH=CH2 group is known as the allyl carbon atom.

For instance, the allylic carbon atom (CH3-CH=CH2) is indicated in propene. Similar to this, the allylic carbon atoms are next to the double bond in cyclohexene.

Hydrocarbon

Organic compounds are composed of various elements with parent carbon chains. Hydrocarbons are the most common organic compounds. Carbon and hydrogen atoms are present in hydrocarbons.

  • Carbon exhibits tetravalence and can form four covalent bonds with the same or different elements.

  • Being tetravalent, carbon can exhibit chains and form various organic compounds.

  • Chaining is the property of a carbon or other element to form a covalent bond with the same element.

  • It is possible to categorise carbon atoms as primary, secondary, or tertiary depending on how many carbon atoms are linked to each one.

  • A primary carbon atom is a carbon atom that is bound to another carbon atom.

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For instance, both carbon atoms are significant carbon atoms in the ethane molecule (CH3-CH3) since they are both connected to another carbon atom. A tertiary carbon atom forms a bond with three other carbon atoms, while a secondary carbon atom forms a bond with two additional carbon atoms.

Allylic Carbocation

Allyl groups form allylic carbocations when the allylic carbon atom has a positive charge.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is allylic carbon?

Vinyl carbons and allylic carbons are two types of double-bonded carbon atoms. The general formula for a vinyl group is R-CH=CH2, where both carbon atoms are joined by double bonds and R is attached to the vinyl position. The modern periodic table in which all currently known elements are arranged in ascending order of atomic number. 18 vertical columns are there and they are called groups and 7 horizontal rows are known as periods.

2. What is Allylic Carbocation?

Allyl groups form allylic carbocations when the allylic carbon atom has a positive charge.

3. What do you mean by Hydrocarbon?

Organic compounds are composed of various elements with parent carbon chains. Hydrocarbons are the most common organic compounds. Carbon and hydrogen atoms are present in hydrocarbons.

  • Carbon exhibits tetravalence and can form four covalent bonds with the same or different elements. 

  • Being tetravalent, carbon can exhibit chains and form various organic compounds. 

  • Chaining is the property of a carbon or other element to form a covalent bond with the same element. 

  • It is possible to categorise carbon atoms as primary, secondary, or tertiary depending on how many carbon atoms are linked to each one.

  • A primary carbon atom is a carbon atom that is bound to another carbon atom.

For instance, both carbon atoms are significant carbon atoms in the ethane molecule (CH3-CH3) since they are both connected to another carbon atom. A tertiary carbon atom forms a bond with three other carbon atoms, while a secondary carbon atom forms a bond with two additional carbon atoms.

4. Write a short note on the Allylic carbon atoms?

The sp3 hybridised carbon atom of the allyl group RCH2-CH=CH2 linked to the -CH=CH2 group is known as the allyl carbon atom.

For instance, the allylic carbon atom (CH3-CH=CH2) is indicated in propene. Similar to this, the allylic carbon atoms are next to the double bond in cyclohexene.

5. What are the chemical properties of allylic carbon?

The allylic carbon atom is represented by the asterisk in the generic formula for allyl, which is R-CH2-CH=CH2. The allylic carbon atom is joined to CH=CH2 by a single covalent connection, as opposed to the vinyl group, which results in the formation of an sp3 hybrid.

The presence of this group in various compounds results in the formation of allyl compounds, which are used in the production of various natural products such as natural rubber, terpenes, etc. These are the chemical properties of allylic carbon.

6. How does the presence of an allylic carbon affect the reactivity of a molecule?
Allylic carbons are more reactive than typical sp3 hybridized carbons due to resonance stabilization of any formed radical or carbocation. This increased reactivity makes allylic positions common sites for chemical reactions.
7. What is an allylic carbocation?
An allylic carbocation is a positively charged ion formed when an allylic carbon loses an electron pair (often in the form of a leaving group). It's stabilized by resonance with the adjacent double bond.
8. Why are allylic carbocations more stable than primary carbocations?
Allylic carbocations are more stable due to resonance stabilization. The positive charge can be delocalized over two carbon atoms, distributing the charge and lowering the overall energy of the system.
9. How does the stability of allylic radicals compare to other types of radicals?
Allylic radicals are more stable than primary radicals due to resonance stabilization. The unpaired electron can be delocalized over three carbon atoms, increasing stability.
10. What is allylic rearrangement?
Allylic rearrangement is a process where the double bond in an allylic system shifts its position. This occurs because the resulting product is often more stable due to the formation of a more substituted double bond.
11. What is the hybridization of an allylic carbon?
An allylic carbon is typically sp3 hybridized, as it's not part of the double bond itself but adjacent to it.
12. What is the difference between an allylic and vinylic position?
An allylic position is adjacent to a carbon-carbon double bond, while a vinylic position is directly on the double bond. Vinylic carbons are sp2 hybridized, whereas allylic carbons are typically sp3 hybridized.
13. Can you provide an example of a molecule containing an allylic carbon?
Propene (CH3-CH=CH2) is a simple example. The methyl group (-CH3) is in the allylic position relative to the double bond.
14. How does the presence of an allylic carbon affect NMR spectroscopy results?
Allylic protons in 1H NMR typically appear downfield (higher ppm) compared to other alkyl protons due to the deshielding effect of the nearby double bond.
15. How does allylic strain influence molecular geometry?
Allylic strain, or A1,3 strain, occurs when substituents on the first and third carbons of an allyl system interfere with each other. This can cause twisting or bending of the molecule to minimize this unfavorable interaction.
16. What is the significance of allylic systems in biochemistry?
Allylic systems are important in biochemistry, particularly in the synthesis and metabolism of terpenes and steroids. They also play a role in the formation of some enzyme cofactors.
17. How does the presence of an allylic group affect the boiling point of a compound?
The presence of an allylic group generally increases the boiling point of a compound compared to its saturated counterpart due to increased polarizability, which enhances intermolecular van der Waals forces.
18. What is the difference between allylic and benzylic positions?
Both allylic and benzylic positions are adjacent to unsaturated systems (double bond and aromatic ring, respectively) and show enhanced reactivity. However, benzylic positions often show greater stability in carbocations due to more extensive resonance with the aromatic ring.
19. What is allylic chlorination?
Allylic chlorination is a free-radical reaction where a chlorine atom replaces a hydrogen atom at the allylic position. This reaction is often initiated by light or heat and typically uses chlorine gas or N-chlorosuccinimide (NCS) as the chlorine source.
20. What is the significance of allylic systems in polymer chemistry?
Allylic systems are important in polymer chemistry, particularly in the synthesis of unsaturated polymers. They can participate in addition polymerization reactions and contribute to the properties of materials like synthetic rubbers.
21. What is an allylic carbon?
An allylic carbon is a carbon atom adjacent to a carbon-carbon double bond in an organic molecule. It's not part of the double bond itself but is connected to an atom that is.
22. What is allylic oxidation?
Allylic oxidation is a reaction where an allylic carbon is oxidized to form a carbonyl group (C=O) while maintaining the adjacent double bond. This is often achieved using selenium dioxide or chromium trioxide.
23. What is the relationship between conjugated dienes and allylic carbons?
In conjugated dienes, the carbon between the two double bonds is both allylic and vinylic. This unique position contributes to the special reactivity of conjugated systems.
24. What is the Tsuji-Trost reaction and how does it involve allylic carbons?
The Tsuji-Trost reaction is a palladium-catalyzed allylation reaction. It involves the formation of a π-allyl palladium complex at the allylic position, which then reacts with nucleophiles to form new carbon-carbon or carbon-heteroatom bonds.
25. What is allylic bromination?
Allylic bromination is a free-radical reaction where a bromine atom replaces a hydrogen atom at the allylic position. This reaction is often initiated by light or heat and uses N-bromosuccinimide (NBS) as the bromine source.
26. How does the presence of an allylic group influence the IR spectrum of a compound?
The presence of an allylic group can affect the IR spectrum by influencing the stretching frequencies of nearby bonds. For example, allylic C-H stretching vibrations typically appear at slightly higher wavenumbers than other alkyl C-H stretches.
27. What is allylic oxidative coupling?
Allylic oxidative coupling is a reaction where two allylic systems are joined together, often with the formation of a new carbon-carbon bond. This can be achieved through various metal-catalyzed processes and is useful in the synthesis of complex molecules.
28. How does the concept of orbital symmetry apply to reactions involving allylic systems?
Orbital symmetry considerations are crucial in understanding pericyclic reactions involving allylic systems. The symmetry of the molecular orbitals in allylic components often determines whether a reaction is thermally or photochemically allowed.
29. How does the allylic position influence elimination reactions?
Elimination reactions often preferentially occur at the allylic position due to the increased stability of the resulting allylic carbocation intermediate, following Zaitsev's rule.
30. How does an allylic carbocation participate in electrophilic addition reactions?
Allylic carbocations can act as electrophiles in addition reactions. Their resonance-stabilized nature allows for addition at multiple positions, often leading to a mixture of products.
31. How does the presence of an allylic group affect the acidity of a molecule?
Allylic hydrogens are slightly more acidic than typical alkyl hydrogens due to the stabilization of the resulting anion through resonance with the adjacent double bond.
32. How does an allylic alcohol differ from a typical alcohol in terms of reactivity?
Allylic alcohols are more reactive than typical alcohols. They can undergo elimination reactions more easily and are more susceptible to oxidation due to the stabilization of the resulting carbonyl compound.
33. How does allylic transposition occur?
Allylic transposition, or allylic shift, occurs when a substituent moves from one allylic position to another. This often happens through the formation of a resonance-stabilized intermediate, such as an allylic carbocation.
34. How does the allylic position influence the regioselectivity of addition reactions to alkenes?
In unsymmetrical alkenes with allylic substituents, addition reactions often favor the formation of the more substituted product due to the stability of the allylic carbocation intermediate, following Markovnikov's rule.
35. What is the role of allylic strain in conformational analysis?
Allylic strain (A1,3 strain) plays a significant role in determining the preferred conformations of molecules with allylic substituents. It can cause twisting or bending of the molecule to minimize unfavorable interactions between substituents.
36. How does allylic activation influence the rate of substitution reactions?
Allylic activation increases the rate of substitution reactions by stabilizing the transition state through resonance. This leads to a lower activation energy and faster reaction rates compared to similar reactions at non-allylic positions.
37. How does an allylic carbocation rearrange?
An allylic carbocation can rearrange through a 1,2-hydride shift, where a hydrogen from an adjacent carbon moves to the positively charged carbon. This maintains the allylic nature of the carbocation while potentially forming a more stable isomer.
38. What is the difference between an allylic and a homoallylic position?
An allylic position is directly adjacent to a double bond, while a homoallylic position is two carbons away from a double bond. Homoallylic positions show some enhanced reactivity, but less than allylic positions.
39. How does the presence of an allylic group affect the UV-Vis spectrum of a compound?
The presence of an allylic group can extend the conjugation of a chromophore, leading to a bathochromic shift (shift to longer wavelengths) in the UV-Vis spectrum compared to the non-allylic analog.
40. What is allylic hydrogenation?
Allylic hydrogenation is a selective reduction process where a carbon-carbon double bond is reduced to a single bond while maintaining the allylic functionality. This can be achieved using specific catalysts and controlled reaction conditions.
41. How does the concept of hyperconjugation apply to allylic systems?
Hyperconjugation in allylic systems involves the interaction between the σ-bonds of the allylic C-H or C-C bonds and the π-system of the double bond. This interaction contributes to the stability and reactivity of allylic compounds.
42. What is the significance of allylic lithiation in organic synthesis?
Allylic lithiation involves the formation of organolithium compounds at allylic positions. These reactive intermediates can be used in various carbon-carbon bond-forming reactions, making them valuable tools in organic synthesis.
43. What is allylic sulfoxidation?
Allylic sulfoxidation is a reaction where a sulfoxide group is introduced at an allylic position. This can be achieved using various oxidizing agents and is useful in the synthesis of certain organosulfur compounds.
44. How does the concept of resonance apply to allylic radicals?
Allylic radicals are stabilized by resonance, where the unpaired electron can be delocalized over three carbon atoms. This resonance stabilization contributes to the relative stability and reactivity of allylic radicals.
45. What is the role of allylic systems in pericyclic reactions?
Allylic systems play crucial roles in many pericyclic reactions, such as the Cope rearrangement and certain electrocyclic reactions. The allylic nature of the system often facilitates these concerted processes.
46. How does the presence of an allylic group affect the dipole moment of a molecule?
The presence of an allylic group can increase the overall dipole moment of a molecule due to the polarizability of the π-electrons in the nearby double bond. This effect depends on the specific substituents and geometry of the molecule.
47. What is allylic fluorination?
Allylic fluorination is a reaction where a fluorine atom is introduced at an allylic position. This can be achieved through various methods, including electrophilic fluorination reagents or radical processes, and is important in the synthesis of organofluorine compounds.
48. How does the presence of an allylic group influence the rate of elimination reactions?
The presence of an allylic group generally increases the rate of elimination reactions. This is due to the stability of the allylic carbocation intermediate and the thermodynamic favorability of forming a conjugated product.
49. What is the significance of allylic systems in natural product synthesis?
Allylic systems are common in many natural products, particularly terpenes and steroids. Understanding and manipulating allylic reactivity is crucial in the total synthesis of these complex molecules.
50. How does an allylic ether differ from a typical ether in terms of reactivity?
Allylic ethers are generally more reactive than typical ethers. They can undergo cleavage more easily, particularly under acidic conditions, due to the stabilization of the resulting allylic carbocation.
51. What is allylic amination?
Allylic amination is a reaction where an amino group is introduced at an allylic position. This can be achieved through various methods, including palladium-catalyzed reactions, and is important in the synthesis of nitrogen-containing compounds.
52. How does the concept of hyperconjugation contribute to the stability of allylic carbocations?
Hyperconjugation in allylic carbocations involves the interaction between the empty p-orbital of the carbocation and the σ-bonds of adjacent C-H or C-C bonds. This interaction helps to distribute the positive charge, contributing to the overall stability of the carbocation.
53. What is the significance of allylic systems in organometallic chemistry?
Allylic systems are important in organometallic chemistry, particularly in the formation of π-allyl metal complexes. These complexes are key intermediates in various catalytic processes, including the Tsuji-Trost reaction.
54. How does the presence of an allylic group affect the solubility of a compound?
The presence of an allylic group can slightly increase the polarity of a compound due to the polarizability of the π-electrons. This can lead to a modest increase in solubility in polar solvents compared to the saturated analog.
55. What is the role of allylic strain in determining the stereochemistry of cyclization reactions?
Allylic strain can influence the stereochemistry of cyclization reactions by favoring conformations that minimize unfavorable interactions between allylic substituents. This can lead to preferential formation of certain stereoisomers in ring-forming reactions.

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