methyl group

In chemistry, a methyl group is a hydrophobic alkyl functional group named after methane (CH₄). It has the formula -CH₃ and is often abbreviated -Me. Such hydrocarbon groups occur in many organic compounds.

Methyl groups can be incorporated into organic compounds by an S_N2 reaction on iodomethane, or by the reaction of methyl lithium or MeMgCl with a carbon atom that is substituted with a leaving group.