Acetylation

Name:
Acetylation
Detailed information:
Introduction of an acetyl radical (CH₃CO—) into the molecule of an organic compound having OH or NH₂ groups. The usual reagents for this purpose are acetic anhydride or acetyl chloride. Thus, ethanol (C₂H₅OH) may be converted to ethyl acetate (C₂H₅OCOCH₃). Cellulose is similarly converted to cellulose acetate by treatment with a mix containing acetic anhydride. Acetylation is commonly used to determine the number of hydroxyl groups in fats and oils.See Acetyl Value.