Éthyl

Éthyl is a prefix used in organic chemistry to denote the presence of an ethyl group. An ethyl group is a two-carbon alkyl substituent with the chemical formula C₂H₅–. It is derived from ethane by the removal of one hydrogen atom. The ethyl group is commonly found in organic compounds.

When ethyl is used as a prefix, it indicates that an ethyl group is attached to a parent molecule. For example, in ethanol, the ethyl group (C₂H₅) is attached to a hydroxyl group (–OH). Similarly, in ethyl acetate, an ethyl group is attached to the acetate functional group. The naming convention follows the systematic nomenclature of organic compounds.

The ethyl group itself is a relatively stable and common building block in organic synthesis. It can be introduced into molecules through various reactions, such as alkylation. The presence of an ethyl group can influence the physical and chemical properties of a molecule, affecting its polarity, solubility, and reactivity. Understanding the role of the ethyl prefix is fundamental to interpreting the structure and properties of many organic chemicals.