Acetyl group

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Acetyl Group

The Acetyl Group (pronounced as /əˈsiːtəl/), is a functional group in organic chemistry that is derived from acetic acid. Its chemical formula is written as -C(O)CH3 or sometimes as -COCH3.

Etymology

The term "acetyl" is derived from the Latin word "acetum", which means "vinegar". It was first used in the 19th century by French chemist Auguste Laurent to name a group of compounds he had discovered.

Structure and Properties

The acetyl group consists of a methyl group (-CH3) linked to a carbonyl group (-C=O). The carbonyl group's carbon atom is connected to the rest of the molecule by a single bond. The acetyl group is known for its ability to undergo a variety of chemical reactions, particularly nucleophilic substitution, due to the presence of the carbonyl group.

Biological Importance

In biochemistry, the acetyl group plays a crucial role in the acetyl coenzyme A (Acetyl-CoA) molecule, which is involved in many metabolic pathways. Acetyl-CoA is a key component in the citric acid cycle (also known as the Krebs cycle), which is the process by which living cells generate energy.

Related Terms

  • Acetic Acid: The parent compound of the acetyl group.
  • Acetylation: The process of introducing an acetyl group into a molecule.
  • Deacetylation: The removal of an acetyl group from a molecule.
  • Acetyltransferase: An enzyme that transfers an acetyl group from one molecule to another.

External links

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