What is "methyl radical"

n. the univalent radical CH3- derived from methane [syn: methyl, methyl group]

Methyl (also systematically named trihydridocarbon) is an organic compound with the chemical formula (also written as ). It is a metastable colourless gas, which is mainly produced in situ as a precursor to other hydrocarbons in the petroleum cracking industry. It can act as either a strong oxidant or a strong reductant, and is quite corrosive to metals.