metila

Metila is a term that can refer to several different chemical compounds, primarily those containing the methyl group (CH3). Most commonly, "metila" is used in Spanish and Portuguese to refer to methanol, also known as methyl alcohol. Methanol is a simple alcohol with the chemical formula CH3OH. It is a colorless, volatile, flammable liquid with a distinctive odor. Methanol is a significant industrial chemical used as a solvent, antifreeze, and as a precursor for other chemicals such as formaldehyde and acetic acid. It is also used as a fuel, either directly or as a blend with gasoline.

In a broader chemical context, the prefix "metila" can be used as a substituent group, indicating the presence of a methyl group attached to another molecule. For example, methyl chloride (cloruro de metila) is a compound where a chlorine atom is bonded to a methyl group. Similarly, methylamine (metilamina) is an organic compound where a methyl group is attached to an amino group. The specific meaning of "metila" in a scientific or industrial context is usually determined by the accompanying chemical name or description. It is important to consider the full chemical nomenclature to understand which specific methyl-containing compound is being referred to.