Organic Chemistry Concepts

5 words in this vocabulary list

adjective relating to or characterized by constant change or movement

  • The chemist studied the fluxional behavior of the molecule under different conditions.
  • I heard that the professor is researching something called fluxional properties in chemistry.
  • I have no idea what fluxional even means, do you?
  • The fluxional nature of the political landscape made it difficult to predict the outcome of the election.

noun a slang term for an alcoholic

  • The scientist identified the presence of an alky group in the chemical compound.
  • I heard that guy is a bit of an alky, always drinking at the bar.
  • She's been acting like a total alky lately, always partying and getting wasted.
  • His addiction to work has turned him into an alky for success.

noun a term used in chemistry to describe the spatial arrangement of atoms in a molecule

adjective describing the specific arrangement of atoms in a molecule without regard to its spatial orientation

  • The absolute configuration of a molecule refers to the spatial arrangement of atoms within a chiral molecule.
  • Knowing the absolute configuration of a compound helps determine its three-dimensional structure.
  • I can't figure out the absolute configuration of this molecule, it's so confusing!
  • Understanding the absolute configuration of a situation can provide clarity and direction in decision-making.

noun a type of organic compound that is derived from aldehydes or ketones and contains two -OR groups attached to a central carbon atom

  • Acetal is a type of organic compound that is commonly used in the production of plastics.
  • I heard that acetal is a key ingredient in making durable plastic products.
  • Hey, did you know that acetal is like the secret sauce for making strong plastics?
  • In the world of chemistry, acetal is like the glue that holds certain materials together.

noun a chemical group derived from an organic acid by removal of a hydroxyl group

  • The acyl group is a functional group derived from carboxylic acids by the removal of a hydroxyl group.
  • Scientists are studying the role of acyl groups in various chemical reactions.
  • I heard acyls are important in making certain types of compounds.
  • The acyl group acts like a key that unlocks the potential of the molecule.