Achiral

Pronunciation: /əˈkaɪrəl/

Definitions of achiral

adjective describing a molecule that is superimposable on its mirror image; possessing no chirality

Example Sentences

A1 Water is an achiral molecule.

A2 The achiral nature of the compound makes it difficult to separate enantiomers.

B1 The achiral center in the molecule allows for easy substitution reactions.

B2 Achiral compounds do not exhibit optical activity.

C1 The achiral nature of the protein structure was crucial for its function.

C2 The achiral symmetry of the crystal lattice was carefully analyzed using X-ray diffraction.

Examples of achiral in a Sentence

formal An achiral molecule is one that is superimposable on its mirror image.

informal I learned in chemistry class that achiral molecules are symmetrical.

slang Dude, that molecule is totally achiral, it's like a mirror image of itself.

figurative Her personality is achiral, always balanced and never leaning towards one extreme.

Grammatical Forms of achiral

• past tense: achiraled
• plural: achirals
• comparative: more achiral
• superlative: most achiral
• present tense: achiral
• future tense: will be achiral
• perfect tense: have been achiral
• continuous tense: is being achiral
• singular: achiral
• positive degree: achiral
• infinitive: to be achiral
• gerund: achiraling
• participle: achiral

Origin and Evolution of achiral

First Known Use: 1966 year

Language of Origin: Greek

Story behind the word: The word 'achiral' originates from the combination of the prefix 'a-' meaning 'not' or 'without' and the term 'chiral' which comes from the Greek word 'cheir' meaning 'hand'.

Evolution of the word: The term 'achiral' was first used in chemistry to describe molecules that do not exhibit chirality or handedness. Over time, it has become a commonly used term in the field of chemistry to differentiate between chiral and achiral compounds.