Structural formula of a benzoyl group.
A benzoyl group is a functional group consisting of a benzene ring to which a carbonyl group is attached. To this carbonyl group group, any R group (alkyl or aryl) may be attached. The molecular formula is C6H5CO-R, but this is often abbreviated to Bz-. For example, benzoyl chloride can be represented as C7H5ClO or as BzCl.
Benzoyl groups are often used as protecting groups during organic synthesis. The group can then simply be removed via a hydrolysis in the basic environment.
A benzoyl group is not the same as a benzyl group, bearing the abbreviation. Also see
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