An alkyl group is a functional group in organic chemistry that is formed by removing a hydrogen atom from an alkane molecule. The general formula for an alkyl group is CnH2n+1, where n is the number of carbon atoms in the group. Alkyl groups are intentionally unspecific to include many possible substitutions. The smallest alkyl group is methyl, with the formula −CH3. In structural formulae, the symbol R is used to designate a generic (unspecified) alkyl group. Alkyl groups can be classified based on the number of carbon atoms attached to the carbon atom that is missing a hydrogen atom:
- Primary carbons (1o) are attached to one other carbon atom.
- Secondary carbons (2o) are attached to two other carbon atoms.
- Tertiary carbons (3o) are attached to three other carbon atoms.
- Quaternary carbons (4o) are attached to four carbon atoms.
The IUPAC system requires names for simple alkyl groups that may be attached to chains. Examples of some common alkyl groups are given in the following table:...
