Chemistry study often feels like learning a new language due to its extensive vocabulary. Understanding word origins can greatly improve memory retention. Early chemistry nomenclature includes memorizing roots like methyl, ethyl, propyl, and butyl, representing 1 to 4 carbon chains in functional groups. This article offers a thorough explanation for those studying or interested in the origins of these roots. For more information including explanation of the diagrams, see Structure of Organic Molecules.
Methyl: Unveiling Mead and Methanol
The Greek root “μέθυ-” (methy-) meaning “wine” gives us the words “mead” as well as “methyl,” the latter incorporating “-ὕλη” (hylē) meaning “wood” to give us the name of methyl alcohol that was first synthesized by destructive distillation of wood. “Methy-“ is today incorporated in chemical nomenclature to refer to a single carbon functional group.
(Note well, however, that methyl alcohol is not the kind of alcohol that is found in wine, and you should definitely never drink it because if it doesn’t kill you, it will blind you.)
Ethyl: Exploring Ether and Ethanol
The term “ethyl” originates from the Greek root “αἰθήρ” (aithēr), meaning “upper air” or “ether.” In ethyl, propyl, and butyl, the “-yl” suffix, which initially referred to wood in “methyl,” has evolved to signify “building stuff” or “raw material” in these terms. In chemical nomenclature, “ethyl” represents a two-carbon functional group.
Propyl: Propane and Propionic Acid – The First Fatty Acid Connection
The word “propyl” is derived from propionic acid, which comes from the French word “propionique.” The Greek roots of propionic are “πρῶτος” (prōtos), meaning “first,” and “πίων” (piōn), meaning “fat.” Propionic acid is considered the first fatty acid because it is the smallest in the series of fatty acids. The name “propane,” a three-carbon alkane, also originates from propionic acid. Following the same naming pattern as “ethyl,” “propyl” is used to denote a three-carbon functional group in modern chemical nomenclature.
Butyl: Tracing Butane to Butter
The term “butyl” is derived from butyric acid, which is found in fermented and rancid butter, and has its origins in the Latin word “butyrum” or “būtӯrum,” meaning “butter.” Contrasting the Greek roots of ethyl and propyl, the root for butyl is Latin. The name “butane,” a four-carbon alkane, is also derived from the same source. Adhering to the established naming convention, “butyl” is incorporated into chemical nomenclature to indicate a four-carbon functional group.
Joseph Thiebes 