Definition

1. Verb (transitive):
   • To introduce an acetyl group (CH₃CO-) into a chemical compound. This is a chemical reaction that adds an acetyl functional group to a molecule.
2. Verb (intransitive):
   • (Of a chemical compound) to undergo a reaction in which it receives an acetyl group.

Usage Examples

• Verb (transitive):
  • Researchers acetylate the sugar molecule to study its new properties.
  • The process acetylates the core compound, changing its solubility.
• Verb (intransitive):
  • When treated with acetic anhydride, the alcohol acetylates.
  • The compound readily acetylated under the given conditions.

Advanced Usage

• "To be acetylated" (passive participle): Describes a compound that has undergone acetylation.
  • The acetylated form of the drug is more easily absorbed by the body.
• "Acetylating agent": A chemical reagent that causes acetylation.
  • Acetic anhydride is a common acetylating agent in organic synthesis.

Variants and Related Words

• Acetylation (n): The chemical process or result of acetylating.
  • Histone acetylation is an important epigenetic modification.
• Acetyl (n): The functional group CH₃CO- that is introduced.
  • An acetyl group is transferred during the reaction.

Synonyms

• Esterify (with acetic acid): To combine with acetic acid to form an ester. (Note: Acetylation often, but not always, results in an ester.)
• Acylated: A more general term for introducing any acyl group (RCO-); acetylation is a specific type of acylation where R is a methyl group (CH₃).

Related Phrases / Processes

• N-acetylation: Acetylation that occurs on a nitrogen atom.
  • N-acetylation is a common metabolic pathway for many drugs.
• O-acetylation: Acetylation that occurs on an oxygen atom.
  • The O-acetylation of the hydroxyl group produced an acetate ester.

Verb

1. introduce an acetyl group into (a chemical compound)
2. receive substitution of an acetyl group
   • the compounds acetylated