Definition: Acetylation is the process of adding a group to an amino acid in place of one or more carbons, which changes the shape and conformation of the molecule. This can affect its hydrophilicity (ability of molecules to pass through water), solubility, and stability. In general, acetylated compounds are characterized by a single carboxyl group attached to the nitrogen atoms of the amino acid side chain in place of one or more carbons. The carboxyl group is attached to the first carbon of the amino acid's side chain, which results in a hydrophilic surface and increased solubility. Acetylation can also be performed on other functional groups such as alcohols (e.g., acetyl), esters (e.g., acetylglutamate), or hydrazides. In these cases, the carboxyl group is attached to the first carbon of an alcohol, amino acid, or hydroxy functional group, respectively. The specific type of acetylation process depends on the specific properties and functionalities of the compound being modified. For example, acetyl groups can be added to hydroxy functions (e.g., amino acids), which lead to a significant change in solubility and stability; whereas, acyl or ester groups attached to alcohol functional groups may result in a slight increase in solubility. Understanding these differences is crucial for the application of acetylation techniques, as it can influence the desired properties of a molecule.

acetylated