Definition

1. Noun:
   • The acetyl radical: The univalent organic group CH₃CO−, derived from acetic acid by removal of the hydroxyl group. It is a fundamental acyl group in organic chemistry and biochemistry.

Usage

• The term "acetyl radical" is used specifically in chemical nomenclature and scientific literature to denote this particular molecular fragment.
• It functions as a substituent in many organic compounds and is central to metabolic processes like the Krebs cycle.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The enzyme catalyzes the transfer of an acetyl radical to coenzyme A.
  • Acetyl radical is a key component in the biosynthesis of many natural products.

Advanced Usage

• "Acetyl radical transfer": A biochemical process where the CH₃CO− group is moved from one molecule to another.
  • Acetyl radical transfer is a crucial step in fatty acid metabolism.

Variants and Related Words

• Acetyl group: A more common synonym for "acetyl radical."
• Acetyl-CoA: A central molecule in metabolism that contains an acetyl group bonded to coenzyme A.
• Acetylation (n): The process of introducing an acetyl radical into a compound.

Synonyms

• Acetyl group: The functional group CH₃CO−.
• Ethanolyl group: A systematic name used in some chemical nomenclature.

Related Phrases

• Acetyl radical donor: A molecule that provides the CH₃CO− group in a reaction.
  • Acetyl phosphate serves as an acetyl radical donor in some bacteria.

Noun

1. the organic group of acetic acid (CH3CO-)