Methylene

Dichloromethane

Methylenecyclopropene

Carbene

Methylene is a chemical species in which a carbon atom is bonded to two hydrogen atoms. Three different possibilities present themselves:

• the −CH₂− group, e.g. dichloromethane (also known as methylene chloride)
• the =CH₂ group, e.g. methylenecyclopropene,
• and the :CH₂ molecule, a carbene known as methylene. A carbene is a highly reactive organic molecule having a divalent carbon atom with six valence electrons.

Methylene groups in a chain or ring contribute to its size and lipophilicity. Methylene is a gas with a noticeable odor, taste, and smell.

See also

• Methyl
• Methine