PIMELIC ACIDS Meaning and
Definition
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Pimelic acids are a group of organic compounds that belong to the family of dicarboxylic acids. These acids are characterized by having a chain of seven carbon atoms with two carboxyl groups (-COOH) attached at either end. The name "pimelic" is derived from the Greek word "pimelē," meaning "oil of vitriol," which refers to its acidic properties.
Pimelic acids can exist in various isomeric forms based on the arrangement of carbon atoms in the chain. The most common isomer is the straight-chain pimelic acid, also known as heptanedioic acid, in which the carbon atoms are linearly arranged.
These acids can be synthesized through oxidation of adipic acid or through other chemical processes. They are primarily used as intermediates in the production of other compounds, such as nylon, polyesters, and plasticizers. Pimelic acids are also important in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and dyes.
In terms of properties, pimelic acids are typically white to off-white crystalline solids that are soluble in water and other polar solvents. They have a distinct odor and taste and are corrosive in nature due to their acidic nature. Pimelic acids can be toxic if ingested or inhaled in large amounts, but they are generally considered safe when handled properly.
Common Misspellings for PIMELIC ACIDS
- oimelic acids
- limelic acids
- -imelic acids
- 0imelic acids
- pumelic acids
- pjmelic acids
- pkmelic acids
- pomelic acids
- p9melic acids
- p8melic acids
- pinelic acids
- pikelic acids
- pijelic acids
- pimwlic acids
- pimslic acids
- pimdlic acids
- pimrlic acids
- pim4lic acids
- pim3lic acids
- pimekic acids
Etymology of PIMELIC ACIDS
The word "pimelic" is derived from the Latin word "pimelinus", which means "of ten carbons". The term "pimelic acid" is used to describe a dicarboxylic acid with a carbon chain of ten atoms. It was named as such because it was first isolated from suberic acid, which is a dicarboxylic acid with an eight-carbon chain. "Pimelic" is a prefix used to indicate a longer carbon chain than "suberic" (from Latin suber or suberus, meaning cork). Hence, "pimelic acid" refers to a dicarboxylic acid with a longer carbon chain than suberic acid.
