Extensive Definition
In chemistry, the term geminal
(from Latin
gemini = twins) refers to the relationship between two functional
groups that are attached to the same atom. The prefix gem is
applied to a chemical name to denote this relationship, as in a
gem-dibromide.
The following example shows the conversion of a
cyclohexyl methyl ketone
to a gem-dichloride through a reaction with phosphorus
pentachloride. This gem-dichloride can then be used to synthesize
an alkyne.
The term is often used in NMR
spectroscopy, as the relationship between atoms is important in
determining the size of coupling constants.
The related term vicinal
refers to the relationship between two functional groups that are
attached to adjacent atoms.
geminal in German: Geminal