tertbutylated

tertbutylated is an adjective used in chemistry to describe a molecule that bears one or more tert-butyl groups (often abbreviated tBu). The tert-butyl group is a bulky substituent with the formula -C(CH3)3, attached to a parent framework through the central carbon. Because of its steric bulk and electron-donating properties by hyperconjugation, tert-butyl groups influence reactivity, selectivity, and physical properties.

In synthetic chemistry, tert-butylation is used to introduce a tert-butyl group or to protect reactive sites. Common contexts include Friedel–Crafts tert-butylation of arenes to give tert-butyl derivatives, and the use of tert-butyl-based protecting groups such as tert-butyl ethers for alcohols, tert-butyl esters and tert-butyl carbamates (the Boc group) for carboxylic acids and amines, respectively. These protecting groups can be removed under acidic conditions to regenerate the unprotected functionality, often releasing isobutene.

The term is often encountered in the names of compounds where a tert-butyl group has been added or where multiple tert-butyl groups are present, as in tert-butylated aromatics or tert-butylated polymers. In medicinal chemistry, tert-butyl groups can improve metabolic stability and modulate lipophilicity, but their bulky size can hinder reactions at nearby sites or alter binding interactions.

In summary, tertbutylated describes molecules bearing tert-butyl groups, a common strategy in synthesis for protection, modification, or tuning of properties, with deprotection typically achievable under acidic conditions.