acylating agent

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July 23, 2026

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An acylating agent is a chemical compound used to introduce an acyl group (RCO) into another molecule. This process is called acylation. Acyl groups are derived from organic acids by removing a hydroxyl group.12

Common acylating agents include acyl chlorides and anhydrides. For example, acetic anhydride is widely used in organic synthesis to create esters and amides. Inorganic anhydrides, like sulfur trioxide, are formed by removing water from acids.34

Acylating agents are crucial in organic synthesis, enabling the formation of various important compounds, including pharmaceuticals like aspirin.3

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amine
Substitution
Isocyanates are themselves acylating agents, of a type that also includes isothiocyanates (RN=C=S), ketenes (R₂C=C=O), and carbon dioxide (O=C=O). They react more or less readily with primary and most secondary amines to form, respectively, ureas, thioureas (RNHCSNHR), amides, and salts of carbamic acid (RNHCO₂⁻RNH₃⁺).
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Isocyanates are themselves acylating agents, of a type that also includes isothiocyanates (RN=C=S), ketenes (R₂C=C=O), and carbon dioxide (O=C=O). They react more or less readily with primary and most secondary amines to form, respectively, ureas, thioureas (RNHCSNHR), amides, and salts of carbamic acid (RNHCO₂⁻RNH₃⁺).
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