CH3COrühm

The CH3CO group, also known as the acetyl group, is a functional group in organic chemistry with the chemical formula CH3C=O. It consists of a methyl group (CH3) bonded to a carbonyl group (C=O). The carbonyl carbon is also bonded to another atom or group, which varies depending on the specific molecule. This acyl group is a common structural unit found in many organic compounds.

The acetyl group plays a significant role in various chemical reactions and biological processes. For instance, it is a key component of acetic acid, the primary component of vinegar, where the acetyl group is bonded to a hydroxyl group (-OH). In biochemistry, the acetyl group is frequently found attached to coenzyme A, forming acetyl-CoA, which is a crucial intermediate in metabolism, particularly in the citric acid cycle and fatty acid synthesis. Acetylation, the process of adding an acetyl group to a molecule, is a common post-translational modification of proteins, affecting their function and localization.

Esters formed from acetic acid, such as ethyl acetate, contain the acetyl group attached to an oxygen atom. Ketones, like acetone, also feature the acetyl group, where the carbonyl carbon is bonded to two other carbon atoms. The reactivity of the acetyl group stems from the electrophilic nature of the carbonyl carbon and the presence of the alpha-hydrogens on the methyl group, which can be abstracted under certain conditions, leading to various chemical transformations.