AcetylSubstituent

An acetyl substituent is a functional group with the chemical formula CH3CO-. It is derived from acetic acid by removing the hydroxyl group. This group is also known as an acetyl radical or ethanoyl group. The acetyl group is an acyl group derived from acetic acid.

In organic chemistry, the acetyl group is frequently encountered. It is a common feature in many organic molecules, including esters, amides, and ketones. For instance, aspirin, also known as acetylsalicylic acid, contains an acetyl group attached to a salicylic acid molecule. Another common example is the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which plays a vital role in nerve function and is an ester of choline and acetic acid.

The presence of the acetyl group can influence the chemical and physical properties of a molecule. It is an electron-withdrawing group due to the electronegativity of the oxygen atom, which can affect the reactivity of adjacent atoms or bonds. In synthesis, introducing an acetyl group onto a molecule is often achieved through acetylation reactions, typically involving acetic anhydride or acetyl chloride as acylating agents. These reactions are important for modifying the properties of alcohols, amines, and phenols. The acetyl group can also serve as a protecting group in organic synthesis, temporarily masking a reactive site during a multi-step reaction sequence.