alkyl

noun/ˈælkɪl/

Frequency rank: #15,504 most common English word

Meaning

a univalent group derived from an alkane by the removal of one hydrogen atom, such as methyl or ethyl.

Illustration for the English word “alkyl”

Example sentence

The chemist attached alkyl groups to the molecule to increase its solubility in organic solvents.

Synonyms & related words

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