Acetyl

In organic chemistry, acetyl (ethanoyl), is a functional group, the acyl of acetic acid, with chemical formula -COCH₃.

Chemical structure of an acetyl group

Skeletal formula of acetyl

Structure

The acetyl group contains a methyl group bonded to a carbonyl with a lone electron left over. This electron forms a chemical bond to the rest (R) of the molecule.

Use

The acetyl group is part of some organic compounds such as acetylcholine and acetyl-CoA.