OXALDEHYDE Meaning and
Definition
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Oxaldehyde, also known as ethanedial or glyoxal, is a chemical compound classified as an aldehyde. It is composed of two carbonyl (C=O) functional groups attached to each other, resulting in a dialdehyde structure. Oxaldehyde has the chemical formula C2H2O2 and a molecular weight of approximately 58.04 g/mol.
In terms of its physical properties, oxaldehyde is a colorless liquid with a pungent odor. It is highly soluble in water and other polar solvents, such as ethanol. Oxaldehyde is a highly reactive compound due to the presence of carbonyl groups, making it susceptible to various chemical reactions.
Oxaldehyde finds applications in different fields. It is commonly used as a starting material for the synthesis of numerous organic compounds, including pharmaceuticals, dyes, and resins. It is a vital intermediate in the production of polyglycolide, a biodegradable polyester often used in medical sutures. Furthermore, oxaldehyde is employed as a crosslinking agent for proteins, aiding in the preservation of biological samples.
Although oxaldehyde has industrial uses, it is important to handle it with care due to its toxic and irritant properties. Prolonged or excessive exposure to oxaldehyde can lead to respiratory issues, skin irritation, and other health problems. Proper safety precautions should be taken when working with this compound, including wearing appropriate personal protective equipment and ensuring adequate ventilation.
Common Misspellings for OXALDEHYDE
- ixaldehyde
- kxaldehyde
- lxaldehyde
- pxaldehyde
- 0xaldehyde
- 9xaldehyde
- ozaldehyde
- ocaldehyde
- odaldehyde
- osaldehyde
- oxzldehyde
- oxsldehyde
- oxwldehyde
- oxqldehyde
- oxakdehyde
- oxapdehyde
- oxaodehyde
- oxalsehyde
- oxalxehyde
- oxalcehyde
Etymology of OXALDEHYDE
The word "oxaldehyde" is derived from the combination of two terms. The first part, "oxal-", comes from the word "oxalic acid". Oxalic acid is a chemical compound found in various plants and vegetables and was first discovered in 1776 by the Swedish chemist Carl Wilhelm Scheele. The suffix "-aldehyde" is derived from the Arabic word "al-koh'l", which means "the antimony powder". Aldehydes are a class of organic compounds characterized by the presence of a carbonyl group (-CHO) bonded to a carbon atom. Thus, "oxaldehyde" refers to a chemical compound composed of an oxalic acid moiety and an aldehyde functional group.
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