The word "trihydric" refers to a substance or molecule that has three hydrogen atoms. The spelling of this word can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) phonetic transcription. The first syllable "tri-" is pronounced as /traɪ/ with a long "i" sound. The second syllable "hydric" is pronounced as /haɪdrɪk/ with a short "i" sound. The combination of the two syllables results in the pronunciation of "trihydric" as /traɪˈhaɪdrɪk/. This spelling is commonly used in chemistry and biology contexts.
The term "trihydric" is an adjective used to describe a chemical compound or element that contains three hydrogen atoms. It is derived from the combination of the prefix "tri-" indicating three, and the suffix "-hydric" indicating the presence of hydrogen.
In chemistry, the number of hydrogen atoms present in a molecule greatly affects its behavior and properties. Therefore, the identification of whether a compound or element is trihydric is crucial in understanding its composition and reactivity.
Trihydric compounds can be found in various chemical classes such as alcohols, amines, and carboxylic acids. For example, glycerol, with the chemical formula C3H8O3, is a well-known trihydric alcohol commonly found in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. Another example is phosphorus trihydride (PH3), which is a trihydric compound used in the production of semiconductors and as a reducing agent in chemical reactions.
The trihydric nature of a compound often contributes to its solubility, boiling point, acidity, and basicity. These properties are directly linked to the presence and arrangement of the three hydrogen atoms within the molecule. Understanding the trihydric nature of a substance allows chemists to predict its behavior and potential applications in various fields including medicine, agriculture, and industry.
Noting a chemical compound containing three replaceable hydrogen atoms.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "trihydric" is derived from two Latin roots: "tri" and "hydric".
The prefix "tri-" comes from the Latin word "tres", meaning "three". It is used to indicate the number three or a grouping of three. In this case, it refers to the number of hydroxyl (OH-) groups present in the compound.
The term "hydric" comes from the Latin word "hydricus", meaning "made up of water" or "pertaining to water". It stems from the Greek word "hudōr", which means "water". In chemistry, "hydric" is often used to describe compounds that contain hydrogen or compounds that can form hydrogen bonds.
When combined, the two roots form the word "trihydric", which refers to a substance or compound that contains three hydroxyl (OH-) groups.