propyl n : the monovalent organic group C3H7- obtained from propane [syn: propyl group, propyl radical]

English

Noun

1. Either of two isomeric univalent hydrocarbon radicals, C3H7, formally derived from propane by the loss of a proton

Translations

• Italian: propile

In organic chemistry, propyl is a three-carbon alkyl substituent with chemical formula -C3H7. It is the substituent form of the alkane propane.

For example:

This is propyl ethanoate, an ester. The propyl group is attached to the molecule after the middle oxygen.

There are two isomeric forms of propyl:

• with the substituent attached to one of the end carbons (called 1-propyl in the IUPAC nomenclature, or n-propyl (Pr-n) in the old naming system); and
• with the substituent attached to the middle carbon (called 2-propyl in the IUPAC system, or isopropyl in the old system).

In addition there is a third, cyclic, form called cyclopropyl, or c-propyl. It is not isomeric with the other two forms, having the chemical formula -C3H5.

Examples

• isopropyl alcohol

See also

• methyl
• ethyl
• butyl
• pentyl / amyl