Heterocyclic (Adjective)
Meaning
Containing a closed ring of atoms of which at least one is not a carbon atom.
Classification
All adjective clusters.
Examples
- The newly synthesized compound was a heterocyclic aromatic molecule with a nitrogen atom in the ring.
- Many antibiotics have heterocyclic structures that are crucial for their biological activity.
- The heterocyclic amine was identified as a potential carcinogen due to its presence in cooked foods.
- Heterocyclic compounds are widely used as dyes, pigments, and optical materials due to their unique electronic properties.
- In medicinal chemistry, heterocyclic molecules are often used as starting points for the design of new pharmaceuticals.