Methoxy group
Methoxy Group
The Methoxy group (pronounced: me-thox-ee group) is a functional group in organic chemistry, consisting of a methyl group bound to an oxygen atom. The general formula for a methoxy group is -O-CH3.
Etymology
The term "Methoxy" is derived from the Greek words "methy" meaning wine, and "oxy" meaning sharp or acidic. This is a reference to the fact that methoxy groups are often found in esters, which are derived from carboxylic acids and alcohols.
Structure and Properties
The methoxy group is a polar functional group due to the presence of the electronegative oxygen atom. This polarity can influence the behavior of molecules that contain a methoxy group, affecting their solubility, reactivity, and other physical and chemical properties.
Related Terms
- Methyl group: A functional group consisting of a carbon atom bound to three hydrogen atoms (-CH3). The methyl group is the parent group of the methoxy group.
- Ester: A class of organic compounds that includes many substances with a methoxy group. Esters are derived from carboxylic acids and alcohols.
- Functional group: A group of atoms within a molecule that is responsible for the molecule's characteristic chemical reactions.
- Organic chemistry: The branch of chemistry that deals with the study of the structure, properties, composition, reactions, and synthesis of organic compounds, which contain carbon atoms.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Methoxy group
- Wikipedia's article - Methoxy group
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