The term "methyl" refers to a specific chemical group represented by the formula -CH₃. It is a derivative of methane (CH₄) where one of the hydrogen atoms is replaced by another group.
An example of a compound containing a methyl group is methanol (wood alcohol), with the chemical formula CH₃OH. In this molecule, a methyl group (-CH₃) is attached to a hydroxyl group (-OH).
Another example is methylamine (CH₃NH₂), where a methyl group is bonded to an amino group (-NH₂).
Methyl groups are also commonly found in larger organic molecules, such as in octane (C₈H₁₈), a component of gasoline that contains multiple methyl groups throughout its structure.