Methyl group

In chemistry, a methyl group is a hydrophobic alkyl functional group derived from methane (₄). It has the formula -₃ and is very often abbreviated -Me.

This hydrocarbon unit can be found in many organic compounds, such as biodiesel, which is a mixture of fatty acid methyl esters.

When a methyl group is substituted as the R group in an amino acid, it forms alanine.

See methanol history for its etymology.

See also

* Methylation