diatomic

[ dahy-uh-tom-ik ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

adjective

, Chemistry.

diatomic

/ ˌdaɪætəˈmɪsɪtɪ; ˌdaɪəˈtɒmɪk /

(of a compound or molecule)
1. containing two atoms
2. containing two characteristic groups or atoms
  ethylene glycol is a diatomic alcohol

First recorded in 1865–70; di- ¹ + atomic

The molecule of iodine, for example, is monatomic at 1200 C., but becomes diatomic at the ordinary temperature.

Hence it may be inferred that this value is typical for diatomic molecules.

April 24, 2024gallimaufry

[gal-uh-maw-free ]

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