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Acetation is a chemical process that involves the introduction of an acetyl group (CH3CO-) into a molecule. This is typically achieved through a reaction with an acetylating agent. Acetylating agents are compounds that readily transfer their acetyl group. Common examples include acetic anhydride ((CH3CO)2O) and acetyl chloride (CH3COCl). The acetation reaction is a form of acylation, a broader class of reactions where an acyl group is added to a molecule.

The mechanism of acetation often involves nucleophilic attack. In many cases, a nucleophilic atom within the substrate molecule, such as oxygen, nitrogen, or sulfur, attacks the carbonyl carbon of the acetylating agent. This attack leads to the formation of a new bond and the departure of a leaving group. For instance, when a hydroxyl group (-OH) on an alcohol undergoes acetation, it forms an ester, where the hydrogen of the hydroxyl group is replaced by the acetyl group. Similarly, acetation of an amine (-NH2) results in an amide.

Acetation reactions are widely employed in organic synthesis and in various industrial applications. They are crucial for modifying the properties of molecules, such as increasing their solubility, stability, or reactivity. For example, acetation is used in the production of cellulose acetate, a plastic used in films, fibers, and coatings. It also plays a role in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, where it can be used to protect functional groups during complex reaction sequences or to modify the pharmacokinetic properties of drugs.