DIHYDRIC ALCOHOL Meaning and
Definition
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Dihydric alcohol is a compound that belongs to the family of alcohols, which are organic compounds characterized by the presence of a hydroxyl (-OH) functional group attached to a carbon atom. As the name suggests, a dihydric alcohol contains two hydroxyl groups (-OH) attached to different carbon atoms in its molecular structure.
Dihydric alcohols are versatile compounds that find various applications in industrial processes, research, and everyday life. They are commonly used as solvents, intermediates in chemical synthesis, and as building blocks for the production of other chemicals, such as polymers, resins, and pharmaceutical agents.
Dihydric alcohols exhibit unique physical and chemical properties due to the presence of two hydroxyl groups. These properties include the ability to dissolve many organic and inorganic substances, high boiling points, and excellent thermal stability. The number and arrangement of carbon atoms in the compound's structure, along with the presence of the hydroxyl groups, determine its specific properties and applications.
Some commonly known dihydric alcohols include ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, and butanediol. Ethylene glycol, for example, is widely used as an antifreeze agent in automobiles and as a raw material in the production of polyesters and polyester resins.
In summary, dihydric alcohols are organic compounds containing two hydroxyl groups (-OH) attached to different carbon atoms. They have diverse industrial applications, serving as solvents, intermediates, and building blocks in various chemical processes.
Common Misspellings for DIHYDRIC ALCOHOL
- sihydric alcohol
- xihydric alcohol
- cihydric alcohol
- fihydric alcohol
- rihydric alcohol
- eihydric alcohol
- duhydric alcohol
- djhydric alcohol
- dkhydric alcohol
- dohydric alcohol
- d9hydric alcohol
- d8hydric alcohol
- digydric alcohol
- dibydric alcohol
- dinydric alcohol
- dijydric alcohol
- diuydric alcohol
- diyydric alcohol
- dihtdric alcohol
Etymology of DIHYDRIC ALCOHOL
The etymology of the word "dihydric alcohol" can be broken down as follows:
1. Dihydric: The prefix "di-" in the term "dihydric" comes from the Greek word "di", meaning "two". In this context, "di-" indicates that the alcohol molecule contains two hydroxyl (OH) groups.
2. Alcohol: The term "alcohol" originates from the Arabic word "al-kuḥl", which referred to a finely powdered form of antimony. Over time, it evolved to encompass a broader meaning, including various substances with intoxicating or sedative properties. In chemistry, "alcohol" specifically refers to a class of organic compounds with a hydroxyl group (-OH) attached to a carbon atom.
Combining these elements, "dihydric alcohol" describes an alcohol compound containing two hydroxyl groups.
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