Alkyl

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Alkyl

Alkyl (/ˈælkɪl/) is a type of functional group that is found in organic compounds. It is derived from an alkane by removing one hydrogen atom.

Etymology

The term "alkyl" is derived from the German word "alkyl", which itself is derived from "alkohol", the German word for alcohol.

Definition

An alkyl group is a piece of a molecule with the general formula (CnH2n+1). They can be found in many organic compounds, including many medicines, and can be arranged in either straight or branched chains.

Related Terms

  • Alkane: Alkanes are the simplest type of hydrocarbon compounds. They are composed entirely of single bonds and are saturated with hydrogen.
  • Functional Group: A functional group is a group of atoms within a molecule that is responsible for the characteristic chemical reactions of that molecule.
  • Organic Compound: Organic compounds are a type of compound that contain carbon atoms. They are found in living things and can also be created by human activity.
  • Hydrocarbon: Hydrocarbons are organic compounds that are made up of only hydrogen and carbon atoms.

Usage in Medicine

Alkyl groups are often used in medicine to modify the properties of drugs. For example, the addition of an alkyl group to a drug can increase its lipophilicity, which can improve its absorption into the body.

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