The word "monohydric" is spelled with the prefix "mono-", meaning "one", and the suffix "-hydric", meaning "having water". The stress in the word falls on the second syllable: /mɒnəʊˈhaɪdrɪk/. The letter "h" in the suffix is pronounced, and the "i" is a short vowel. The phonetic transcription of the word shows that the "y" in "hydric" is pronounced as a cross between a short "i" and a short "u". The word describes a substance that contains only one molecule of water.
The term "monohydric" refers to a substance or compound that contains only one hydroxyl (-OH) group. This prefix is commonly used in the field of chemistry to describe molecules that have a single hydroxyl group attached to their molecular structure.
In chemical nomenclature, the prefix "mono-" denotes one, and "hydr-" pertains to water or hydroxyl groups. Therefore, "monohydric" specifically indicates the presence of a single hydroxyl group within a compound. This hydroxyl group consists of one oxygen atom bonded covalently to a hydrogen atom and is considered a characteristic functional group.
Monohydric compounds exhibit distinct properties due to the presence of the hydroxyl group. For instance, they often possess the capacity to donate or accept hydrogen ions, making them capable of displaying acidic or basic behavior under appropriate conditions. Furthermore, monohydric compounds frequently demonstrate solubility in polar solvents, such as water, due to the polar nature of the hydroxyl group.
Examples of monohydric compounds include alcohols such as methanol (CH3OH) and ethanol (C2H5OH), in which the hydroxyl group is attached to the carbon atom of a hydrocarbon chain. These compounds are crucial in various chemical reactions, manufacturing processes, and biological interactions, and their monohydric nature is essential for their functional roles and practical applications across multiple industries.
Having but one hydrogen atom in the molecule.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "monohydric" is derived from the combination of two parts: "mono-" and "-hydr-" with the suffix "-ic".
- "Mono-" comes from the Greek word "monos", meaning "single" or "one".
- "-Hydr-" is derived from the Greek word "hudor", which means "water".
- The suffix "-ic" is commonly used to form adjectives in English, indicating "relating to" or "pertaining to".
Therefore, "monohydric" is formed by combining these elements to describe something related to or characterized by a single water molecule or water content. It is often used in chemistry to describe substances that contain only one hydroxyl (OH) group or one water molecule per molecule.