Alkyl


An alkyl is a univalent (or free) radical containing only carbon and hydrogen atoms arranged in a chain. The alkyls form a homologous series with the general formula C<sub>n</sub>H<sub>2n+1</sub>. Examples include methyl, CH<sub>3</sub>· (derived from methane) and butyl C<sub>4</sub>H<sub>9</sub>· (derived from butane). They are normally not found on their own but are found as part of larger branched chain organic molecules. On their own they are free radicals and therefore extremely reactive.