Chem. [f. ACET(IC) + Gr. ὕλη substance, stuff: see -YL(E. Hence ‘radical of the acetic series.’] A monatomic organic radical C2H3O, the oxidized radical of the dicarbon series, and the basis of the acetic series. Also attrib. as in Acetyl compounds, Acetyl (acetic or acetylic) chloride, and in comb. as Acetylorthoamidobenzoic.
1864. Athenæum, No. 1937: 788/3. The ethylate of acetyl.
1873. Williamson, Chem., § 281. Acetic acid is a molecule of water in which the two atoms of hydrogen are replaced by two atoms of acetyl.
1877. Watts, Fownes’ Chem., II. 286. Acetyl peroxide (C2H3O)2O2, is a viscid liquid, which explodes with violence when heated, and acts as a powerful oxidizing agent.
1880. Clemenshaw, Wurtz’s Atomic Theory, 277. Acetyl is ethyl modified by substitution.
1880. Athenæum, 13 Nov., 645/2. The following papers were read: On Acetylorthoamidobenzoic Acid.
