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Acetylation is a chemical reaction that involves the transfer of an acetyl group (CH3CO–) from one molecule to another. This process is commonly encountered in organic chemistry and biochemistry. In organic synthesis, acetylation is often used to introduce a protective group onto a hydroxyl or amino functional group, thereby modifying the reactivity of the molecule. Common acetylating agents include acetic anhydride and acetyl chloride.

In biochemistry, acetylation plays a crucial role in regulating the function of proteins. For instance, the acetylation and deacetylation of histones, proteins that package DNA, are key mechanisms in epigenetic gene regulation. This modification can alter chromatin structure, making genes more or less accessible for transcription. Acetylation also occurs on other proteins, affecting their stability, localization, and interactions with other molecules. Enzymes called acetyltransferases catalyze the addition of acetyl groups, while deacetylases remove them. These reversible acetylation events are vital for numerous cellular processes.