How Do You Spell ALKYL?

Pronunciation: [ˈalka͡ɪl] (IPA)

The word "alkyl" is often misspelled due to its unusual phonetic transcription. It is pronounced as /ˈælkɪl/, with the stress on the first syllable. The "a" sound is pronounced as a short vowel, while the "l" is pronounced as a clear lateral consonant. The "k" and "y" sounds are pronounced together as a single consonant, represented in IPA as /kɪl/. This word is most commonly used in organic chemistry to describe a group of hydrocarbons, such as methyl or ethyl.

Meaning and Definition
Common Misspellings
Etymology
Similar spelling words
Plural
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ALKYL Meaning and Definition

  1. Alkyl is a term used in organic chemistry to describe a type of chemical group or functional group that is derived from an alkane. It refers to a radical or substituent that consists of a carbon chain or backbone with single covalent bonds and is attached to another molecule or atom.

    An alkyl group is derived from removing one hydrogen from an alkane molecule and is represented by the general formula CnH2n+1, where "n" represents the number of carbon atoms in the chain. As a functional group, alkyl groups can occur in various lengths and forms, such as methyl (CH3-), ethyl (C2H5-), propyl (C3H7-), butyl (C4H9-), and so on.

    Alkyl groups have significant importance in organic chemistry, as they frequently occur in numerous organic compounds, including hydrocarbons and many other organic compounds found in nature. These groups can have varying chemical properties and reactivity, which can influence the overall behavior and properties of the compounds they are part of. Alkyl groups can impact factors such as boiling points, melting points, solubility, and stability of organic molecules.

    The term "alkyl" is widely used in chemical nomenclature and is essential for understanding the structure and classification of organic compounds. It serves as a building block in many chemical reactions and synthetic processes, enabling the formation of complex organic molecules and materials.

  2. A general term for the alcohol radicals.

    A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for ALKYL

Etymology of ALKYL

The word "alkyl" is derived from the term "alkane". The term "alkane" was first coined by the German chemist August Wilhelm Hofmann in 1857. "Alkane" is derived from the German word "Alekyle" which means "radical" or "group". The English chemist Edward Frankland, who proposed the concept of alkyl groups in 1850, later anglicized the term to "alkyl". So ultimately, the word "alkyl" has German origins, with its evolution and standardization occurring in English.

Similar spelling words for ALKYL

Plural form of ALKYL is ALKYLS

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Correct spelling for alkyl
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