Nomenclature
The term benzyl refers most commonly to benzyl compounds, such as benzyl chloride or benzyl benzoate. Benzyl also refers to a free radical with the formula C6H5CH2. The benzyl carbocation has the formula C6H5CH2+. The benzyl carbanion has the formula C6H5CH2-. None of these species can be formed in significant amounts under normal conditions, but they are useful referents for discussion of mechanisms.
Sometimes, benzyl and phenyl are confused, but their formulas and behavior are very different. The term benzylic refers to the position on a carbon skeleton next to a phenyl or other aromatic ring.
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