Chem. [f. TOLU + -YL.] A hypothetical monatomic radical, C7H7, isomeric with cresyl, called also benzyl, which may be supposed to exist in benzylic alcohol, toluene, and other compounds. Entering into the names of many compounds and substitution products, e.g., tolyl- or benzyl-acetamide, tolyl-carbamide, tolyl-sulphurous, tolylene, C7H6 = benzylene, tolylene-diamine, etc. Hence Tolylic a.
1868. Watts, Dict. Chem., V. 870. The name benzyl is the most convenient for it, as tolyl is too much like toluyl. Ibid. Tolylic or benzylic bromide.
