[cam1982]

We have just started looking at acylation in class and I don't know what the difference between an acyl group and a carbonyl group is. To me it looks as if they are the same....     C=O.

Can anybody help me?

Carrie Ann

[azmanam]

acyl group is a specific type of carbonyl group.  Carbonyl group is the umbrella term, acyl group is a term that falls under the carbonyl umbrella.  Carbonyl group have three 'things' bonded to the central carbon atom.  As you've shown, one of those things is always a double-bonded oxygen C=O.  This C=O double bond is what defines a carbonyl.  Carbonyl groups always have two other things, though.  If one of them is a CH₃ group, then that whole unit, H₃C-C=O, is an acyl group.  It is also sometimes called an acetyl group.

[cam1982]

Brilliant....that makes sense....thank you