Definition of Alkyl Group



Alkyl group belongs to the class of organic compounds and is defined as one of the functional groups which consist of atoms of carbon and hydrogen arranged in a form of a chain. The general formula of the alkyl is CnH2n+1. If one hydrogen is removed from the molecule of alkane CnH2n+2, this gives rise to the formation of an alkyl.

 


Hence, alkyls are known to be the derivatives of saturated hydrocarbons i.e. alkanes. The alkyl group is represented with the letter R. The reactivity of the organic molecules is modified by the presence of alkyl groups as they act as electron-donating substituents.


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