The term "ethyl radical" refers to a molecular entity consisting of one carbon and two hydrogen atoms, with the chemical formula CH3CH2. There are several synonyms for the term, including the ethyl group, ethanyl group, and ethane-1-yl group. In organic chemistry, the ethyl radical is commonly used as a building block for the synthesis of more complex organic molecules. Ethyl groups are also found in many naturally occurring compounds, such as ethanol, which is the main component of alcoholic beverages. The ability to recognize and use various synonyms for the ethyl radical is important for understanding the structure and function of organic molecules.