Question

Write short notes on acetylation.

Answer 1

The process of introducing an acetyl group \[\begin{array}{cc}
\phantom{.....}\ce{O}\\
\phantom{.....}||\\
\ce{(CH3 - C - )}
\end{array}\] into a molecule is called acetylation. The reaction occurs by nucleophilic substitution. There occurs a replacement of the hydrogen atom of −NH₂ or > NH by the acetyl group.

Common acetylating agents used are acetyl chloride and acetic anhydride.

\[\begin{array}{cc}
\ce{O}\phantom{................}\ce{O}\phantom{..}\\
||\phantom{.................}||\phantom{..}\\
\ce{CH3CH2NH2 + CH3 - C - Cl -> \underset{N-Ethylacetamide}{CH3 - C - NH - CH2CH3} + HCl}
\end{array}\]