Question

The molecular formula of methyl group is?
a.) \[C{{H}_{4}}\]
b.) \[C{{H}_{3}}\]
c.) \[CH\]
d.) \[C{{H}_{2}}\]

Answer 1

Hint: Methane was originally called “marsh gas” because it was first obtained from the gases bubbling out of marshes. We need to recall how we used to write the codes for the number of carbon atoms in a chain.

meth	1
eth	2
prop	3
but	4
Pent	5
hex	6

Complete step by step solution:
We know, compounds like methane, \[C{{H}_{4}}\], and ethane, \[C{{H}_{3}}C{{H}_{3}}\], belong to members of a family of compounds known as alkanes. Now, if you remove a hydrogen atom from these compounds you will get an alkyl group.
Methyl group is one of the alkyl groups which is defined by removing the -ane ending from the parent compound and replacing it with -yl. The methyl group is obtained from its parent alkane, methane (\[HC{{H}_{3}}\]) by removing one of the hydrogens. It is one of the most common structural units of organic compounds and consists of one carbon atom which is bonded to three hydrogen atoms. Chemical formulas for methyl groups may be abbreviated as Me. It is commonly found in larger organic molecules. Molecular formula of methyl is given as \[C{{H}_{3}}\].
So, the correct answer is (b).

Note: Methyl may exist on its own as a methyl anion (\[C{{H}_{3}}^{-}\]), methyl cation (\[C{{H}_{3}}^{+}\]), or methyl radical (\[C{{H}_{3}}\]). All having 8,7 and 6 valence electrons respectively. All the three forms are highly reactive.