triphenylmethyl: An unusual aromatic compound that can exist as an anion, cation or free radical, (C6H5)3C. Treatment of triphenylcarbinol in alcoholic solution with mineral acids produces triphenylmethyl salts, containing the cation (C6H5)3C+, which crystallize as orange- red solids. The action of sodium on a solution of triphenylmethyl chloride in ether produces the yellow (C6H5)3C– anion. The free radical form is made by treating triphenylmethyl chloride with mercury or zinc in the absence of oxygen.
