6 Bad Ass Difference between Allyl and Vinyl Carbon with Comparison Table

What is the difference between allyl and vinyl?

Both allyl and vinyl are an organic functional group. They normally contain a C-C double bond but tend to differ in various ways.

The lesson provides information about the core difference between allyl and vinyl in table and point form for easier consumption. Let’s find out:

Difference between Allyl and Vinyl

What Is Allyl?

An allyl is a functional group in organic chemistry represented as RCH2CH=CH2. The functional group contains three carbon and five hydrogen atoms.

These atoms tend to get attached to other groups via –CH2 group. You should also note that the allyl group contains a methylene bridge (-CH2-) which is attached to the vinyl group (-CH=CH2).

The most interesting thing is that the allyl group tends to be more reactive than alkanes hence can easily form a stable carbocation.

The reaction occurs since the adjacent vinyl carbon can easily be delocalized the electrons to attain a stable positive charge.

Allyl compounds normally form intermediaries during the reaction due to the stability attained during carbocation e.g SN1 reaction.

What Is Vinyl?

Vinyl is a functional group obtained by removing hydrogen from the ethylene molecule. The molecular formula of a vinyl compound is R- CH=CH2 where R represents other groups of atoms.

The good news is that these compounds tend to be very reactive and it normally results in vinyl polymers.

Examples of vinyl polymers are polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl fluoride, and polyvinyl acetate. It can easily combine with other additives and modifiers hence the reason behind their versatility.

You should note that vinylic compounds are used in the manufacture of plastic since they tend to be affordable and durable.

Comparison Chart: Allyl Vs Vinyl

Basic Terms Allyl Carbons Vinyl Carbons
Molecular Formula RCH2CH=CH2 RCH=CH2.
Hybridization of Carbon Skeleton Tend to have sp3 hybridized which is adjacent to sp2 hybridized carbon atom. Contain sp2 hybridized carbon atom.
Uses Creation of natural rubber and biosynthesis terpenes. Production of vinylic polymers such as PVC, PVF, PVAc
Stability of Carbocation Tend to be stable due to electron delocalization Tend to be unstable due to lack of p-character
Attachment Get attached to any group through –CH2 group. Get attached to any group of atoms directly.
Number of Carbon & Hydrogen Atoms Three carbon atoms and five hydrogen atoms. Two carbon atoms and three hydrogen atoms.

Core Differences Between Allyl and Vinyl In Point Form 

  1. The molecular formula of the ally carbon group is RCH2CH=CH2 while that of the vinyl group is RCH=CH2.
  2. The number of carbon and hydrogen in the ally group are three carbon atoms and five hydrogen atoms whereas that of the vinyl group is two carbon atoms and three hydrogen atoms.
  3. Allyl carbon group attain stable carbocation due to electron delocalization while the vinyl group tends to be unstable since they lack p-character.
  4. Vinyl group tends to get attached to any other group of atoms directly while the allyl group gets attached via –CH2 group.
  5. Allyl group is mainly used for natural rubber and biosynthesis of terpenes whereas the vinyl group is used in the polymer industry.
  6. Allyl group has SP3 hybridized allyl carbon atom whereas the vinyl group has sp2 hybridized carbon atoms.  

Similarities Between Allyl and Vinyl Carbons

  1. Both have carbon atoms
  2. Both are susceptible to getting attached to any group
  3. Both have industrial application
  4. Both have double bonds 

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the Vinyl Position?

Have four positions when bonded carbon to form alkenes

  • Which is More Stable Allylic or Vinylic?

Allyl carbocation is more stable than vinyl carbocation. Allyl carbocation is resonance stabilized where as vinyl carbocation has a positive charge on sp carbon is highly unstable.

  • Is Allylic More Stable than Tertiary?

Tertiary allylic are more stable than primary allylic carbocations. They are ranked based on either primary or secondary carbocation. Allylic are primary carbocations. 

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Comparison Video

https://youtu.be/ik5JqmQiYn0

Conclusion

The study of these carbon compounds is found in organic chemistry. These two functional groups tend to differ in terms of atoms and bonds between them. The core difference between allyl and vinyl carbons listed in the guide will help you spot the distinguishing factors.

More Sources and References

 

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