HEXAVALENT Meaning and
Definition
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Hexavalent is an adjective commonly used in the field of chemistry to describe a chemical compound or element that exhibits a valency or oxidation state of six. It often refers to an atom or molecule that has lost or gained six electrons, resulting in a charge of +6 or -6, respectively. This term is derived from the Latin word "hexa," meaning "six," combined with "valent," derived from the Latin word "valēntia," meaning "power" or "strength."
Hexavalent compounds are particularly notable for their wide range of applications and properties. For example, hexavalent chromium (Cr6+) is a form of chromium that has six valence electrons, making it highly reactive and toxic. It is commonly used in various industrial processes, such as metal plating, leather tanning, and the production of dyes and pigments. However, hexavalent chromium is also known for its carcinogenic properties and harmful effects on human health and the environment.
It is important to note that hexavalent can also refer to other elements or compounds, such as hexavalent sulfur (S6+), which can exist under specific conditions. Additionally, the term may also relate to the geometrical shape hexavalent, which signifies six bonds or attachments of atoms surrounding a central atom in a molecule. Overall, the concept of hexavalent primarily pertains to the valence or oxidation state of six in a chemical compound or element.
Common Misspellings for HEXAVALENT
- gexavalent
- bexavalent
- nexavalent
- jexavalent
- uexavalent
- yexavalent
- hwxavalent
- hsxavalent
- hdxavalent
- hrxavalent
- h4xavalent
- h3xavalent
- hezavalent
- hecavalent
- hedavalent
- hesavalent
- hexzvalent
- hexsvalent
- hexwvalent
Etymology of HEXAVALENT
The word "hexavalent" is derived from the combination of two elements: "hexa-" and "-valent".
1. The prefix "hexa-" originates from the ancient Greek word "hex", meaning "six". It is commonly used in the English language for denoting the number six or the sixth position.
2. The suffix "-valent" is derived from the Latin word "valentia", meaning "power" or "capacity". In chemistry, the term "valence" refers to the combining capacity of an atom, indicating how many bonds it can form with other atoms.
When these two elements are combined, "hexavalent" refers to the valence state of an element or compound having a valence of six. In chemistry, it is often used to describe elements or compounds in which an atom or ion has six valence electrons or can form six chemical bonds.
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