Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
An alkyl group is a functional group derived from alkanes by removing one hydrogen atom. It is often represented by the symbol R in chemical structures.
5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test
Alkyl groups are classified based on the number of carbon atoms, such as methyl (CH3), ethyl (C2H5), and propyl (C3H7).
They are non-polar and hydrophobic due to their hydrocarbon nature.
Alkyl groups can be primary, secondary, or tertiary depending on the carbon atom's connectivity to other carbons.
They play a crucial role in determining the physical and chemical properties of organic molecules.
Alkyl groups can participate in various reactions, such as substitution and elimination reactions.
Review Questions
Related terms
Functional Group: A specific group of atoms within a molecule that are responsible for characteristic chemical reactions of that molecule.
Hydrocarbon: Organic compounds consisting entirely of hydrogen and carbon atoms.
Substitution Reaction: $$\text{A chemical reaction where one functional group in a chemical compound is replaced by another.}$$