alkyl
/ˈælkɪl/
noun
- A group of atoms that comes from an alkane (a type of hydrocarbon) by removing one hydrogen atom. Alkyl groups are found in many organic compounds.
- Methyl is the simplest alkyl group, consisting of one carbon atom bonded to three hydrogen atoms.
- The chemist studied how an alkyl group affects the properties of a molecule.
- Adding an alkyl group to the compound made it more reactive.
adjective
- Relating to or containing an alkyl group.
- Alkyl chains of different lengths give oils their varying thickness.
- The lab tested several alkyl derivatives for their stability.
- Alkyl compounds are widely used in the production of fuels and plastics.