Acyl group

An acyl group has the structure R–C(=O)– and is derived from a carboxylic acid by removing its hydroxyl group. It forms part of compounds such as esters, amides, and acyl halides.

Carbonyl group: A functional group containing a carbon atom double-bonded to oxygen. The carbonyl is the defining structural unit within every acyl group.
Nucleophilic acyl substitution: A reaction in which a nucleophile replaces a leaving group attached to an acyl carbon. This is the characteristic reaction pathway of many acyl derivatives.
Acetyl group: The acyl group CH₃C(=O)–, derived from acetic acid. Acetyl is a common acyl group in metabolism, pharmaceuticals, and organic synthesis.
Acyl halide: A carboxylic acid derivative with a halogen bonded to its acyl carbon. Acyl halides are highly reactive acyl donors because halide can leave readily.
Carboxylic acid: An organic compound containing a carboxyl group, –C(=O)OH. Removing its hydroxyl group produces an acyl group.
Tetrahedral intermediate: A transient species with a tetrahedral carbon formed during addition to a carbonyl carbon. Nucleophilic attack on an acyl carbon commonly passes through this intermediate.
Benzoyl group: The acyl group C₆H₅C(=O)–, derived from benzoic acid. Benzoyl illustrates an acyl group whose R substituent is aromatic.
Amide: A compound in which a carbonyl carbon is bonded to nitrogen. Amides are acyl derivatives whose nitrogen substituent strongly stabilizes the carbonyl.
Alkyl group: A saturated hydrocarbon substituent formed by removing one hydrogen atom from an alkane. An alkyl group commonly occupies the R position in an acyl group.
Leaving group: An atom or group that departs with an electron pair during a chemical reaction. Acyl substitution requires displacement of the group bonded to the acyl carbon.

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