Acetilálás

Acetilálás is a chemical reaction where an acetyl group (CH3CO-) is transferred to another molecule. This process is a type of acylation, specifically involving the introduction of an acetyl functional group. Acetyl groups can be derived from various acetylating agents, commonly acetic anhydride or acetyl chloride. Acetylation plays a significant role in organic chemistry and biochemistry.

In organic synthesis, acetilálás is often used to protect hydroxyl or amino groups. By acetylating these functional groups, their reactivity is temporarily masked, allowing other reactions to occur on the molecule without interference. The acetyl group can later be removed through hydrolysis. Furthermore, acetilálás can be used to activate functional groups for subsequent reactions or to modify the physical properties of a compound.

Biochemically, acetilálás is a crucial post-translational modification for proteins. Acetyl groups are typically added to the amino terminus of proteins or to lysine residues. This modification can influence protein stability, localization, and interactions with other molecules. For instance, protein acetylation is involved in regulating gene transcription, signal transduction, and metabolic pathways. Acetylation of carbohydrates and lipids also occurs and has biological significance. The reverse process, deacetylation, is carried out by deacetylases, which remove acetyl groups.