Question

What is an alkyl group?

Answer 1

Hint: Alkane is a hydrocarbon which consists of only carbon and hydrogen. When one hydrogen is removed from the alkane it results in the formation of an organic compound known as alkyl groups. Alkyl groups are an electron donating group that helps in increasing the electron density on the other compound.

Complete step-by-step answer: Alkyl groups are defined as a group that is derived from alkane by removing one hydrogen from the compound. These groups are represented by R. The general formula for acyclic alkyl is ${{C}_{n}}{{H}_{2n+1}}$ . it consist of only carbon and hydrogen mainly known as hydrocarbon which are arranged in chain. There are some examples of alkyl group: methyl group $\left( C{{H}_{3}} \right)$ derived from methane, butyl group $\left( {{C}_{2}}{{H}_{5}} \right)$ derived from butane. Methyl group is the simplest alkyl group consisting of one carbon attached to three hydrogens.
Let us discuss these examples-
Methyl group is an organic compound which is very stable in most molecules. It can be found in three forms: cation, anion or radical. The cation consists of six valence electrons, anion consists of eight valence electrons and radical consists of seven valence electrons.
Butyl group is a four carbon substituent group which is derived either from two isomers of butane. It either derived from $n-$ butane or isobutene.

Note: In this question we have concluded that alkyl groups are functional groups derived from alkane by removing one hydrogen. They are an electron donating group as carbon is more electronegative than hydrogen therefore, carbon pulls bonded electrons towards itself and hence acquire slightly negative charge and the hydrogen acquire positive charge as it loses hold over bonded electrons.