atsetüüli

Atsetüüli is the common name for the acetyl group, a functional group in organic chemistry with the chemical formula R-C(=O)CH3. It is an acyl group derived from acetic acid. The acetyl group consists of a carbonyl group (C=O) bonded to a methyl group (CH3). It is a ubiquitous moiety found in many organic compounds, playing crucial roles in various biological and chemical processes.

In biochemistry, the acetyl group is frequently encountered. For example, it is a key component of acetyl-CoA, a vital molecule involved 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, influencing their function, stability, and localization. Histone acetylation, for instance, is a critical regulator of gene expression.

In organic synthesis, the acetyl group is often introduced using acetylating agents such as acetyl chloride or acetic anhydride. It can be found in common compounds like aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid), which is an ester of salicylic acid and acetic acid. The presence of the acetyl group can significantly alter the properties of a molecule, affecting its reactivity, solubility, and biological activity. Its structure, with the electron-withdrawing carbonyl group adjacent to the methyl group, imparts specific chemical characteristics that are exploited in synthetic strategies and medicinal chemistry.