What is the Difference Between Methyl and Methylene Group?

The main difference between methyl and methylene groups lies in the number of hydrogen atoms bonded to the carbon atom. Here are the key differences:

• Methyl Group: The methyl group contains one carbon atom bonded to three hydrogen atoms. Its chemical structure is represented as CH3.
• Methylene Group: The methylene group contains one carbon atom bonded to two hydrogen atoms. Its chemical structure is represented as CH2.

Both methyl and methylene groups are important functional groups in organic molecules and form from methane molecules. The stability of the methyl group, which is highly resistant to attack, makes it a crucial part of many organic molecules. On the other hand, the methylene group can form two more covalent bonds with the rest of the molecule through single bonds.

Comparative Table: Methyl vs Methylene Group

The key difference between methyl and methylene groups lies in their chemical structure and the number of hydrogen atoms bonded to the carbon atom. Here is a comparison table highlighting the differences between methyl and methylene groups:

Methyl and methylene groups are both important functional groups in organic molecules and are derived from the methane molecule, CH4. They play a crucial role in the structure and stability of organic compounds.