🥼organic chemistry review

Bridgehead atom

Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 2025

Definition

In organic chemistry, a bridgehead atom is a carbon atom located at the junction of two or more rings in a bicyclic or polycyclic molecule. It is distinct from other carbon atoms due to its positioning in the molecular structure and does not bear substituents that bridge other parts of the molecule.

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