Objectives:

What is an alkyl radical?
General representation of alkyl radical
What is the general formula for alkyl radicals?
Alkyl groups Formation
Alkyl radical naming list

What is an alkyl radical?

In Chemistry, alkyl radical is defined as the group which is obtained by the removal of one hydrogen atom from any alkane.

Alkyl group

Alkyl Radical is also known as the alkyl group.

Alkyl Radical Representation:

Alkyl Radical is represented by the symbol “R”.

Alkyl Radical General Formula:

As alkanes are represented by a general formula C_nH_{2n + 2}, after the removal of one hydrogen atom the formula of alkanes becomes C_nH_{2n + 1}which is the general formula for naming alkyl groups ( alkyl radicals).

Alkyl Radical Naming:

How do you name an alkyl radical?

The alkyl radical( alkyl group) is simply named by replacing the suffix “ane “ of an alkane with the suffix “yl”.

Frequently asked questions:

What is the difference between alkane & alkyl Radical. Which one contains free valency?

Alkanes are saturated hydrocarbons containing only single bonds between the carbon atoms. While alkyl radicals are the group of atoms obtained by the removal of one hydrogen atom from alkanes.