Metüülgrupi

Metüülgrupp is the common Estonian term for a methyl group. A methyl group is a functional group in organic chemistry with the chemical formula -CH3. It consists of a carbon atom bonded to three hydrogen atoms. The methyl group is the simplest alkyl group. It is a substituent, meaning it is an atom or group of atoms that replaces a hydrogen atom in a parent molecule. For example, in methane (CH4), replacing one hydrogen atom with another methyl group would result in ethane (C2H6).

In organic compounds, methyl groups are often found attached to carbon chains or rings. They play a role in determining the physical and chemical properties of molecules, such as boiling point, melting point, and reactivity. For instance, the presence of a methyl group can increase the lipophilicity (fat-solubility) of a molecule. In biological systems, methyl groups are important components of many organic molecules, including amino acids and nucleic acids. Methylation, the process of adding a methyl group to a molecule, is a common biochemical reaction involved in gene regulation and metabolism.

The methyl group is considered a nonpolar group due to the relatively even distribution of electron density between the carbon and hydrogen atoms. This nonpolar character contributes to the solubility of molecules containing methyl groups in nonpolar solvents. The methyl group is also relatively stable under many chemical conditions.