etýl

Etýl is a chemical term referring to the ethyl group, a functional group in organic chemistry with the formula C₂H₅. It consists of two carbon atoms bonded to five hydrogen atoms in a linear arrangement (CH₃-CH₂–). The ethyl group is a common substituent in organic compounds, often derived from ethane (C₂H₆) by removing one hydrogen atom.

The ethyl group is widely encountered in various organic molecules, including alcohols (e.g., ethanol, CH₃CH₂OH), ethers (e.g., diethyl ether, CH₃CH₂OCH₂CH₃), and hydrocarbons (e.g., ethane, propane derivatives). It plays a crucial role in industrial chemistry, serving as a precursor for solvents, plastics, and pharmaceuticals.

In nomenclature, "ethyl" is used as a prefix to denote its presence in a compound. For example, ethyl acetate (CH₃COOCH₂CH₃) is an ester commonly used as a solvent. The ethyl group can also participate in reactions such as substitution, elimination, and oxidation, influencing the properties of the parent molecule.

Etýl is also used in some languages, particularly in Hungarian, to refer to ethanol (ethyl alcohol), a volatile, flammable liquid with the chemical formula C₂H₅OH. Ethanol is a key ingredient in alcoholic beverages and is widely used as a fuel additive and industrial solvent. It is produced naturally through fermentation or synthetically via hydration of ethylene.

In biochemistry, ethanol is metabolized in the liver by enzymes such as alcohol dehydrogenase, breaking it down into acetaldehyde and subsequently into acetate. Excessive consumption can lead to health risks, including liver damage and addiction. Ethanol is classified as a psychoactive substance due to its effects on the central nervous system.