Home > Chemicals and Drugs > Polycyclic Hydrocarbons Terms and Definitions
Polycyclic Hydrocarbons
| Definition: |
Hydrocarbons consisting of two or more fused ring structures. |
| Also Called: |
Polycyclic Compounds |
Polycyclic Hydrocarbons Categories.
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Polycyclic Hydrocarbons, Aromatic - A major group of unsaturated cyclic hydrocarbons containing two or more rings. The vast number of compounds of this important group, derived chiefly from petroleum and coal tar, are rather highly reactive and chemically versatile. The name is due to the strong and not unpleasant odor characteristic of most substances of this nature. (From Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary, 12th ed, p96) |
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Steroids - A group of polycyclic compounds closely related biochemically to TERPENES. They include cholesterol, numerous hormones, precursors of certain vitamins, bile acids, alcohols (STEROLS), and certain natural drugs and poisons. Steroids have a common nucleus, a fused, reduced 17-carbon atom ring system, cyclopentanoperhydrophenanthrene. Most steroids also have two methyl groups and an aliphatic side-chain attached to the nucleus. (From Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary, 11th ed) |
Polycyclic Hydrocarbons Definitions and Terms
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