DEALKYLATION Meaning and
Definition
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Dealkylation is a chemical process in which the alkyl group of a molecule is removed or replaced, typically by the introduction of a hydrogen atom, resulting in the formation of a different compound. This transformation commonly occurs in organic chemistry, particularly in the field of pharmacology and drug metabolism.
In dealkylation reactions, the alkyl group is detached from a larger molecule, such as an organic compound or a drug, leading to the formation of a new product with altered chemical properties. This process is often catalyzed by enzymes called dealkylases, which facilitate the removal of the alkyl group.
Dealkylation reactions play a crucial role in drug metabolism, as they are responsible for the transformation of certain medications within the human body. For example, drugs containing alkyl groups may undergo dealkylation in the liver or other organs, where specific enzymes break down the compounds into their respective metabolites. These metabolites may possess different pharmacological properties, including altered potency, bioavailability, or toxicity.
Dealkylation is also employed in chemical synthesis as a means of modifying or derivatizing organic compounds. By selectively removing an alkyl group, chemists can create new compounds with desired functional groups or structural features. This process is often utilized to manipulate the properties of a substance, such as its solubility, reactivity, or biological activity.
Overall, dealkylation is an essential process in organic chemistry that involves the removal or replacement of alkyl groups, resulting in the formation of new compounds with potentially different properties and functions.
Common Misspellings for DEALKYLATION
- sealkylation
- xealkylation
- cealkylation
- fealkylation
- realkylation
- eealkylation
- dwalkylation
- dsalkylation
- ddalkylation
- dralkylation
- d4alkylation
- d3alkylation
- dezlkylation
- deslkylation
- dewlkylation
- deqlkylation
- deakkylation
- deapkylation
- deaokylation
- dealjylation
Etymology of DEALKYLATION
The word "dealkylation" is made up of two components: "de-" and "alkylation".
The prefix "de-" is a Latin prefix meaning "remove" or "undo". It is commonly used to indicate the reversal of a process or to denote the removal or separation of something.
The term "alkylation" is derived from the word "alkyl", which refers to a group of hydrocarbons derived from an alkane or aliphatic hydrocarbon. Alkyl groups typically consist of a chain of carbon and hydrogen atoms, with one carbon atom bonded to another molecule or atom.
Alkylation is a chemical process that involves the transfer of an alkyl group from one molecule to another. The reaction typically introduces an alkyl group into a molecule by replacing a hydrogen atom.
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