Methallyl

Methallyl refers to the organic group with the chemical formula CH2=C(CH3)CH2-. It is an unsaturated alkyl group, a derivative of allyl where a hydrogen atom on the central carbon is replaced by a methyl group. This structural modification leads to a tertiary allylic carbon, influencing its reactivity.

The methallyl group is a component of various organic compounds. For example, methallyl alcohol, also known as 2-methyl-2-propen-1-ol, contains this functional group. Methallyl chloride, CH2=C(CH3)CH2Cl, is another example, serving as a precursor in the synthesis of other methallyl-containing compounds.

Due to the presence of the double bond and the allylic position, methallyl groups can participate in a range of chemical reactions. These include addition reactions across the double bond, as well as reactions at the allylic position, such as substitution. The tertiary nature of the allylic carbon can affect the regioselectivity and stereoselectivity of these reactions compared to the unsubstituted allyl group.

In polymer chemistry, methallyl monomers can be polymerized to form polymers with unique properties. The presence of the methyl group on the double bond can influence the polymerization kinetics and the characteristics of the resulting polymer chains, such as their glass transition temperature and flexibility. Methallyl compounds find applications in areas like the production of specialty chemicals, resins, and as intermediates in organic synthesis.