Methylene

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Methylene is the chemical species, R₂C:, named after methane, in which two of the carbon atom's valence electrons form no bonds. The word is applicable to:

• the −CH₂− group present, for example, in dichloromethane (also known as methylene chloride),
• the =CH₂ group, which occurs in methylenecyclopropene,
• and the :CH₂ molecule, a carbene known as methylene. A carbene is a highly reactive organic molecule having a divalent carbon atom with six valence electrons.

Methylene groups in a chain or ring contribute to its size and lipophilicity.

[edit] See also

• Methyl
• Methylidyne