METHOXYL Meaning and
Definition
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Methoxyl is a chemical functional group consisting of one carbon atom bonded to three hydrogen atoms (methyl group) and one oxygen atom. It forms an ether (-OCH3) group, where the carbon atom is bonded to one other atom through an oxygen bridge. Methoxyl is commonly referred to as the methoxy group, and its chemical formula is CH3O-. In organic chemistry, it is denoted as -OMe.
The methoxyl group is often found in various organic compounds, including pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and natural products. It plays a crucial role in determining the chemical and physical properties of these substances. Methoxyl groups are electron-donating substituents that can influence the reactivity and stability of organic molecules.
The presence of a methoxyl group can affect the solubility, boiling point, and polarity of a compound. This group is relatively unreactive under normal conditions but can participate in certain chemical reactions, such as nucleophilic substitution or acid-catalyzed hydrolysis.
Methoxyl groups can also contribute to the biological activity of molecules as they interact with biological receptors and enzymes. They can influence the lipophilicity and bioavailability of drugs, affecting their absorption and distribution within the body.
In summary, methoxyl is a functional group consisting of a methyl group (-CH3) connected to an oxygen atom (-O-) within an organic compound. Its presence can significantly impact the chemical, physical, and biological properties of substances, making it an important moiety in organic chemistry.
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The characterizing group (CH2OH) of the primary alcohols.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for METHOXYL
- nethoxyl
- kethoxyl
- jethoxyl
- mwthoxyl
- msthoxyl
- mdthoxyl
- mrthoxyl
- m4thoxyl
- m3thoxyl
- merhoxyl
- mefhoxyl
- meghoxyl
- meyhoxyl
- me6hoxyl
- me5hoxyl
- metgoxyl
- metboxyl
- metnoxyl
- metjoxyl
- metuoxyl
Etymology of METHOXYL
The word "methoxyl" is derived from the combination of two different components - "meth-" and "-oxyl".
The prefix "meth-" is derived from the Greek word "methy" (μέθυ), meaning "wine" or "intoxication". This root has been widely adopted in chemistry to indicate a one-carbon group, as found in methanol (CH3OH) or methyl groups.
The suffix "-oxyl" comes from the Greek root "-oxus" (-οξυς) which means "sharp" or "acid". It is commonly used in chemistry to denote an oxygen-containing substance or functional group. For example, hydroxyl (-OH) represents an oxygen and hydrogen group.
Therefore, "methoxyl" refers to a functional group (-OCH3) consisting of a methoxy group (CH3O-) bonded to a molecule.
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