Question

What are alkyl groups? Give an example.

Answer 1

Alkyl groups

• An alkyl group is derived from a saturated hydrocarbon by removing a hydrogen atom from carbon.
• Thus, ${\mathrm{CH}}_4$ becomes $-{\mathrm{CH}}_3$ and is called a methyl group. An alkyl group is named by substituting ‘yl’ for ‘ane’ in the corresponding alkane.
• These groups are usually considered electron-donating groups.

Example of alkyl groups

• Methyl$(–{\mathrm{CH}}_3)$ is an example of an alkyl group that is derived from methane.
• Ethyl $(–{\mathrm{CH}}_2–{\mathrm{CH}}_3)$ is an example of an alkyl group that is derived from ethane.
• Propyl $(-{\mathrm{CH}}_2-{\mathrm{CH}}_2-{\mathrm{CH}}_3)$ is an example of an alkyl group that is derived from propane.