key term - Acetyl

Definition

The acetyl group, represented by the chemical formula -COCH3, is a functional group commonly encountered in organic chemistry. It is derived from the acetic acid molecule and plays a crucial role in various biochemical processes, particularly in the context of carboxylic acids and nitriles.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The acetyl group is a common substituent in the naming of carboxylic acids, where it represents the acyl group derived from acetic acid.
2. In the context of nitriles, the acetyl group can be used to form acetonitrile, a widely used organic solvent and precursor for various chemical reactions.
3. Acetyl-CoA, a crucial metabolic intermediate, is formed when the acetyl group from pyruvate is transferred to coenzyme A, enabling its entry into the citric acid cycle for energy production.
4. The acetyl group is also involved in post-translational modifications of proteins, where it can be added or removed to regulate protein function, stability, and localization.
5. Acetylation of histones, a type of epigenetic modification, can lead to changes in gene expression by altering the chromatin structure.

Review Questions

• Explain the role of the acetyl group in the naming of carboxylic acids.
  • The acetyl group, represented by the formula -COCH3, is a key component in the systematic naming of carboxylic acids. When the acetyl group is attached to the carboxyl group (-COOH) of a carboxylic acid, it forms the acyl group, which is used to name the compound. For example, the carboxylic acid with the acetyl group is named acetic acid, where the 'acetyl' prefix denotes the presence of the -COCH3 group. This naming convention is crucial in understanding the structure and reactivity of carboxylic acids.
• Describe the significance of the acetyl group in the formation of acetonitrile, a common organic solvent.
  • The acetyl group plays a crucial role in the synthesis of acetonitrile, a widely used organic solvent. Acetonitrile is formed when the acetyl group (-COCH3) is combined with a nitrile group (-C≡N), resulting in the compound CH3CN. This reaction is important in organic chemistry, as acetonitrile serves as a versatile solvent and precursor for various chemical reactions. The presence of the acetyl group in the structure of acetonitrile contributes to its unique physical and chemical properties, making it a valuable tool in synthetic and analytical chemistry.
• Analyze the role of the acetyl group in the formation and function of acetyl-CoA, a key metabolic intermediate.
  • Acetyl-CoA is a central metabolic intermediate that plays a pivotal role in numerous biochemical pathways. The acetyl group (-COCH3) is a crucial component of acetyl-CoA, which is formed when the acetyl group from pyruvate is transferred to coenzyme A. This acetyl-CoA molecule then enters the citric acid cycle, where the acetyl group is oxidized to generate energy in the form of ATP. The acetyl group in acetyl-CoA is also involved in various anabolic pathways, such as fatty acid synthesis and the production of other important biomolecules. The versatility of the acetyl group in acetyl-CoA highlights its significance in the regulation and integration of metabolic processes within the cell.

Related terms

Carboxylic Acid:

A class of organic compounds containing a carboxyl group (-COOH), which can undergo reactions to form esters, amides, and other derivatives.

Nitrile:

A functional group consisting of a carbon-nitrogen triple bond (-C≡N), often used in the synthesis of various organic compounds.

Acetyl-CoA:

A key metabolic intermediate that serves as a central hub for various catabolic and anabolic pathways, including the citric acid cycle and fatty acid synthesis.