Benzene derivatives are organic compounds that contain a benzene ring, which is a six-carbon ring with alternating double bonds. These derivatives can have various functional groups, such as hydroxyl (-OH), amino (-NH2), or carboxyl (-COOH), attached to the benzene ring. The presence of these groups alters the chemical properties and reactivity of the benzene, leading to a wide range of applications in industries like pharmaceuticals and plastics. Common examples of benzene derivatives include toluene, which has a methyl group attached, and aniline, which features an amino group. These compounds are important in chemical synthesis and serve as building blocks for more complex molecules. Understanding benzene derivatives is crucial for chemists working in organic chemistry and related fields.