Acilação

Acilação is a chemical reaction in which an acyl group is introduced into a molecule. This process is fundamental in organic chemistry and plays a crucial role in the synthesis of many important compounds. The acyl group, represented by the general formula R-C=O, is typically derived from a carboxylic acid or a related derivative such as an acid halide or anhydride.

Acylation reactions can occur through various mechanisms, most commonly electrophilic acyl substitution or nucleophilic acyl substitution. In electrophilic acyl substitution, an acyl cation acts as the electrophile, attacking an electron-rich center in another molecule, such as an aromatic ring. This is a common method for the synthesis of ketones. Nucleophilic acyl substitution involves the attack of a nucleophile on the carbonyl carbon of an acyl compound, leading to the displacement of a leaving group. This mechanism is central to reactions like esterification and amidation.

Common reagents used for acylation include acid chlorides, acid anhydrides, and carboxylic acids themselves, often in the presence of activating agents or catalysts like Lewis acids (e.g., aluminum chloride) or strong acids. Acylation is a versatile tool for modifying the properties of molecules, creating new functional groups, and building complex organic structures. It finds extensive applications in the pharmaceutical industry, in the production of polymers, and in the synthesis of various fine chemicals.