methyls

Methyl is a univalent radical chemical group with the formula CH3. It is derived from methane by the removal of a hydrogen atom. The methyl group is one of the simplest alkyl groups. It is a common substituent in organic chemistry and is found in a vast array of organic compounds. When referring to organic molecules, the methyl group is often abbreviated as "Me". For example, acetic acid can be written as CH3COOH or MeCOOH.

Methyl groups play a significant role in chemical reactions and in determining the physical properties of molecules. Their presence can influence factors such as solubility, boiling point, and reactivity. For instance, the addition of a methyl group can increase the lipophilicity of a molecule, making it more soluble in nonpolar solvents. In biological systems, methyl groups are crucial components of many biomolecules and are involved in numerous metabolic processes, including gene regulation and the synthesis of neurotransmitters.

The methyl group can also be part of larger functional groups, such as the methoxy group (–OCH3) or the methylamino group (–NHCH3). The concept of methylation, the addition of a methyl group to a substrate, is a fundamental reaction in organic and biochemistry with wide-ranging applications in synthesis and biological regulation.