p-anisyl
|p-an-i-syl|
/piːˈænɪsɪl/
para-methoxybenzyl substituent
Etymology
'p-anisyl' ultimately derives from 'anisyl', which comes from 'anisole.' 'Anisole' originates from Latin 'anisum' (from Greek 'anison') meaning 'anise'; the prefix 'p-' is the abbreviation of 'para-' (from Greek 'para-' meaning 'beside' or 'near'), indicating substitution at the para position.
'anisyl' was coined in organic chemistry as a substituent name derived from 'anisole' in the 19th century. The addition of the 'p-' (para-) prefix produced 'p-anisyl' to specify the para isomer (para position of the methoxy group) and to distinguish it from the ortho- and meta- isomers.
Originally related names (e.g., 'anisole') referenced anise-like aroma (from anise); over time the terms 'anisyl' and 'p-anisyl' evolved to denote specific structural substituents (not aroma) — specifically the 4-methoxybenzyl/para-methoxyphenyl residues used in chemical nomenclature.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a chemical substituent/group corresponding to the para-anisyl radical; most commonly used to mean the 4-methoxybenzyl group (—CH2–C6H4–OCH3) where the methoxy (OCH3) is at the para (p-) position. In some contexts it may be used to refer to the para-methoxyphenyl residue (C6H4–OCH3); usage should be checked from context.
The p-anisyl derivative showed increased reactivity in the alkylation step.
Synonyms
Adjective 1
relating to, containing, or substituted with a p-anisyl group (para-anisyl).
A p-anisyl-substituted phenyl ring was introduced to improve solubility.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/09/16 15:56