Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
alkyl radical

alkyl radical

7.3
A group of carbon and hydrogen atoms that attaches to a molecule with one free bond
  • noun
  • /ˈæl.kɪl ˈræd.ɪ.kəl/
  • Specialized
translation icon : radical alquilo
  • The methyl group is the simplest alkyl radical and is commonly found in organic compounds.

Examples

  • Combustion reactions often involve the formation and breakdown of alkyl radicals.

  • Researchers studied the reactivity of a newly synthesized alkyl radical in the laboratory.

  • An alkyl radical is crucial in organic chemistry.

  • The alkyl radicals formed during the reaction were analyzed.

  • The methyl group is the simplest alkyl radical and plays an important role in organic chemistry.

  • Researchers studied the reactivity of a newly synthesized alkyl radical in their experiments.

  • Combustion reactions often lead to the formation of alkyl radicals, which can participate in further chemical processes.

Synonyms

alkyl
vsalkyl radical
  • Specialized
1 9.9

A part of a molecule made of carbon and hydrogen in a chain

is the same concept but uses a term stressing reactive single-unit nature
alkyl group
vsalkyl radical
  • Specialized
6.5

A part of a molecule made of carbon and hydrogen atoms with one hydrogen removed

is the same concept but frames it as a bonded set of atoms

Surface Forms

alkyl radical singular
alkyl radicals plural

Morphology

alkyl + radical

This is a compositional noun–noun compound: 'alkyl' names a specific hydrocarbon group and 'radical' names a reactive chemical species, so the phrase denotes a radical that is of the alkyl type. Even though the terms are technical, the overall meaning is directly derivable from the constituents and follows a transparent modifier–head pattern common in scientific vocabulary.

Etymology

Alkyl radical comes from alkyl (a small carbon 'branch' from a larger molecule) and radical (originally a 'root' or broken-off part). Imagine a branch cut from a tree with one lonely electron like a loose hand that grabs quickly; an alkyl radical is a small carbon fragment that reacts fast, so the name reminds you it is 'broken-off and grabby'.