heterocyclic compound

Table of Contents

Introduction
General aspects of heterocyclic compounds
Comparison with carbocyclic compounds
Nomenclature of heterocyclic compounds
The nature of heteroaromaticity
Physical properties of heterocyclic compounds
- Melting and boiling points
- Ultraviolet, infrared, nuclear magnetic resonance, and mass spectra
Synthesis and modification of heterocyclic rings
- Nucleophilic ring closure
- Electrophilic ring closure
- Ring closure by way of cyclic transition states
- Conversion of one heterocyclic ring into another
- Modification of an existing ring
Major classes of heterocyclic compounds
- Three-membered rings
- Four-membered rings
- Five-membered rings with one heteroatom
- Six-membered rings with one heteroatom
- Five- and six-membered rings with two or more heteroatoms
- Rings with seven or more members
- Rings with uncommon heteroatoms
  - Halogens, selenium, and tellurium
  - Phosphorus, arsenic, antimony, and bismuth
  - Silicon, germanium, tin, and lead
  - Boron

References & Edit History Quick Facts & Related Topics

Images

sulfur-containing heterocycles

heterocyclic anthraquinone dyes

For Students

heterocyclic compound summary

Discover

Monitor. Varanus salvadorii is a monitor lizard found in New Guinea can grows to 2.7 metres (9 ft.) aka Tree crocodile, Crocodile monitor, Salvadori's monitor, artellia, reptile

7 of the World’s Most Dangerous Lizards and Turtles

The impeachment trial of Pres. Andrew Johnson, illustration from Frank Leslie's Illustrated Newspaper, March 28, 1868.

What If the President Is Impeached?

World Data Locator Map: Australia

Is Australia an Island?

Stylish light blue jeans on wooden background, closeup of inset pocket

Why Do Jeans Have That Tiny Pocket?

Ice Sledge Hockey, Hockey Canada Cup, USA (left) vs Canada, 2009. UBC Thunderbird Arena, Vancouver, BC, competition site for Olympic ice hockey and Paralympic ice sledge hockey. Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, Vancouver Olympics

10 Best Hockey Players of All Time

Colorful winter sunset

What's the Difference Between a Solstice and an Equinox?

Coriander leaves, fresh green cilantro on wooden background, herbs

Why Does Cilantro Taste Like Soap to Some People?

heterocyclic compound: Facts & Related Content

Written and fact-checked by The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Facts

Also Known As	heterocycle

Photos

sulfur-containing heterocycles

heterocyclic anthraquinone dyes

See All Images →

Topics

melamine saccharin cyclamate furan pyridine pyrazine coumarin indole quinoline pyran protein hormone lipid carboxylic acid hydrocarbon organosulfur compound nucleic acid carbohydrate steroid organometallic compound