Pharmacology
Acetylated organic molecules exhibit increased ability to cross the selectively permeable blood–brain barrier. Acetylation helps a given drug reach the brain more quickly, making the drug's effects more intense and increasing the effectiveness of a given dose. The acetyl group in acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) enhances its effectiveness relative to the natural anti-inflammatant salicylic acid. In similar manner, acetylation converts the natural painkiller morphine into the far more potent heroin (diacetylmorphine).
The supplement industry touts acetyl-L-carnitine as being more effective than other preparations of carnitine. Acetylation of resveratrol holds promise as one of the first anti-radiation medicines for human populations.
Read more about this topic: Acetyl