DIMETHYLACETAL Meaning and
Definition
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Dimethylacetal is a chemical compound that belongs to the group of acetals. It is formed when two methyl groups (-CH3) are substituted for two hydrogen atoms in an aldehyde or a ketone functional group. The resulting compound features a central carbon atom that is bonded to two alkyl groups and two oxygen atoms in a tetrahedral arrangement.
Dimethylacetal is predominantly used as a solvent, due to its ability to dissolve a wide range of organic and inorganic substances. Its solvency power, low toxicity, and relatively low boiling point make it suitable for various applications in industries such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and household products.
In addition to its solvent properties, dimethylacetal is also employed as a useful precursor in the synthesis of other organic compounds. It can undergo various reactions, including oxidation, reduction, and condensation, to form more complex molecules. These reactions enable the incorporation of dimethylacetal into the production of pharmaceuticals, fragrances, and other high-value chemicals.
Furthermore, dimethylacetal has been utilized in organic chemistry as a protecting group for aldehydes and ketones. By temporarily converting these functional groups into their respective dimethylacetals, unwanted reactions can be prevented while desired reactions are being carried out. After the desired reaction is completed, the dimethylacetal can be easily hydrolyzed back to the original carbonyl compound.
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Ethylidenedimethylester, a colorless liquid obtained by the interaction of aldehyde, methyl alcohol, and glacial acetic acid; employed as a general anesthetic like chloroform.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for DIMETHYLACETAL
- simethylacetal
- ximethylacetal
- cimethylacetal
- fimethylacetal
- rimethylacetal
- eimethylacetal
- dumethylacetal
- djmethylacetal
- dkmethylacetal
- domethylacetal
- d9methylacetal
- d8methylacetal
- dinethylacetal
- dikethylacetal
- dijethylacetal
- dimwthylacetal
- dimsthylacetal
- dimdthylacetal
- dimrthylacetal
- dim4thylacetal
Etymology of DIMETHYLACETAL
The word "dimethylacetal" is derived from the combination of several chemical components.
- "Di-" is a prefix indicating two of something.
- "Methyl" refers to the chemical group CH₃-, which is derived from methane (CH₄) by replacing one hydrogen atom.
- "Acetal" is a term used in organic chemistry to describe compounds that have two -OR groups attached to a carbon atom. In this case, the -OR groups are methyl groups, hence "dimethyl".
Therefore, "dimethylacetal" refers to a compound that has two methyl groups (-CH₃) attached to an acetal group (-OR).
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