What is the structure of the phenyl group?

The structure of the phenyl group is represented by the formula C6H5. This indicates that the phenyl group consists of a benzene ring (C6H6) with one hydrogen atom removed, which gives it the characteristic structure of C6H5. The phenyl group is a common functional group in organic chemistry, contributing to the properties of many aromatic compounds.

The benzene ring itself is a cyclic structure composed of six carbon atoms, arranged in a planar hexagonal shape, with alternating double bonds, which provides its stability due to resonance. The removal of one hydrogen atom to form the phenyl group allows it to serve as a substituent in larger organic molecules, thereby playing a crucial role in the chemistry of compounds such as phenols, anilines, and many others.

The other options represent different groups or ions that do not describe the structure of the phenyl group specifically. RCOOR refers to esters, PO4 3- is the phosphate ion, and C-O-C represents an ether structure. None of these options relate to the specific structure of the phenyl group, confirming that C6H5 is indeed the correct representation.