Alkyl radicals (R–)

An alkyl radical is the group obtained by removing one hydrogen atom from an alkane. It cannot exist alone. General formula CₙH₂ₙ₊₁–, symbol R. The name replaces -ane by -yl: methane → methyl (CH₃–), ethane → ethyl (C₂H₅–), propane → propyl (C₃H₇–), butane → butyl (C₄H₉–). Examples of compounds: CH₃Cl methyl chloride, C₂H₅Br ethyl bromide, C₃H₇I propyl iodide, C₄H₉Cl butyl chloride.