Acyls

The acyl function group is a functional derivative of the carboxylic acid functional group. These derivatives are made is such that the -OH group has been replaced (either by a Halide, amide, ester, or another acyl group). The Acyl group on its own is shown by

The Acyl Amine, Acyl Halide, ester and anhydride (also the carboxylic acid itself) are shown below:

All Acyl groups are named just as carboxylic acids are named (the alkyl group followed by the ending -ic Acid) but the ending -ic Acid is replaced accordingly. For Amines, the -ic acid ending is replaced by -amide. For esters, -ic acid replaced by -ate. For halide -ic acid to -yl and the halide name. The anhydride is left with the -ic, and the acid is made to anhydride.

Physical Properties of Acyls

Acyl groups are polar compounds because of the C=O group. The boiling points of each acyl group is fairly high. The amines however have a slightly higher boiling point because they are capable of fairly strong intermolecular hydrogen bonding. All acyl groups are soluble in the usual organic solvents. Esters usually have pleasant smells, making good additives for perfumes, foods, and other good smelling items.