Definition
triphenylmethyl: An unusual aromatic compound that can exist as an anion, cation or free radical, (C
6H
5)
3C. Treatment of triphenylcarbinol in alcoholic solution with mineral acids produces triphenylmethyl salts, containing the cation (C
6H
5)
3C
+, which crystallize as orange- red solids. The action of sodium on a solution of triphenylmethyl chloride in ether produces the yellow (C
6H
5)
3C
– anion. The free radical form is made by treating triphenylmethyl chloride with mercury or zinc in the absence of oxygen.
