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acetal

[ as-i-tal ]

noun

, Chemistry.
  1. Also called diethylacetal. a colorless, volatile, sparingly water-soluble liquid, C 6 H 14 O 2 , having a nutlike aftertaste, obtained from acetaldehyde and ethyl alcohol: used chiefly as a solvent and in the manufacture of perfumes.
  2. any of a class of compounds of aldehydes with alcohols.


acetal

/ ˈæsɪˌtæl /

noun

  1. 1,1-diethoxyethane; a colourless volatile liquid used as a solvent and in perfumes. Formula: CH 3 CH(OC 2 H 5 ) 2
  2. any organic compound containing the group -CH(OR 1 )OR 2 , where R 1 and R 2 are other organic groups


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Word History and Origins

Origin of acetal1

First recorded in 1850–55; acet- + -al 3

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Word History and Origins

Origin of acetal1

C19: from German Azetal, from aceto- + alcohol

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acetabulumacetaldehyde