Alicyclic Compounds: Definition, Examples, and Applications

Alicyclic refers to a type of molecule that contains a ring structure composed of carbon atoms, but does not contain any unsaturated bonds (i.e., double or triple bonds). In other words, an alicyclic compound is a cyclic hydrocarbon that is saturated, meaning it has only single bonds between the carbon atoms.

Alicyclic compounds can be found in a variety of natural and synthetic materials, including fats and oils, terpenes, and some types of plastics. They are often used as starting materials for the synthesis of more complex organic molecules, such as pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals.

Some common examples of alicyclic compounds include:

* Cyclohexane (a six-membered ring)
* Cyclooctane (an eight-membered ring)
* Cyclononane (a nine-membered ring)
* Cyclohexene (a six-membered ring with a double bond)

Alicyclic compounds are typically less reactive than their unsaturated counterparts, but they can still undergo certain chemical reactions, such as Diels-Alder reactions and ene reactions.