What is the use of Et in organic chemistry?

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The discussion revolves around confusion regarding shorthand notation in organic chemistry, particularly in the context of studying for the ACS exam. The original poster expresses difficulty in understanding specific groups, such as the transition from epoxy to n-alkoxy alkanol, and is unsure where they missed this information in their study materials. They mention using informal shorthand like -R for groups and share their newfound knowledge of ethyl (-Et) and methyl (-Me) notations. Another participant notes that their professor uses a Greek letter (φ) for phenyl groups, highlighting that while this method is less common today, it remains convenient for some. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding these shorthand notations for effective communication in organic chemistry.
amb123
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I can't figure it out. I missed this somewhere, and got by with just figuring it as an -R group, but is it some specific group?

Such as epoxy ---(alkoxy & EtOH) ---> n-alkoxy alkanol

Where the hell did I miss this, it seems everywhere in my book now that I'm studying for the ACS exam, but I can't find where the explanation is.

thx!
-A
 
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Ethyl. H3CH2C-
 
It's an informal shorthand that is fairly popular.

And don't come back if you see a Me- group somewhere...
 
Or Ph- for that matter :)
 
Thanks! I knew of the phenyl group shorthand, but not ethyl. Lucky for me, I was just treating the -Et as -R and it worked out ok;) Thanks for the tipoff on methyl with -me, I guess ch3 is really MUCH longer! lol!

:)
-A
 
Or Ph- for that matter :)

My professor actually uses a greek \phi- ,for the same purpose.
 
rachmaninoff said:
My professor actually uses a greek \phi- ,for the same purpose.

That's old school. Not many people use that anymore. Sure is convenient though!
 
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