(-CnH2n+1) alkyl group. A molecular fragment derived from an alkane by dropping a hydrogen atom from the formula. Examples are methyl (CH3) and ethyl (CH2CH3).

A group obtained by removing a hydrogen atom from a saturated alkane. A good example is the methyl group CH3- derived from methane.

A general term for monovalent aliphatic hydrocarbon radicals.

An alkyl is a univalent radical containing only carbon and hydrogen atoms arranged in a chain. The alkyls form a homologous series with the general formula CnH2n+1. Examples include methyl, CH3· (derived from methane) and butyl C4H9· (derived from butane).