Kekule formula
- noun
- /ˈkɛkjuːleɪ ˈfɔːrmjʊlə/
- Specialized
:
fórmula de Kekulé
- The Kekule formula illustrates the structure of benzene.
Examples
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The Kekule formula helped scientists understand the structure of benzene.
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When explaining aromatic compounds, the professor referenced the Kekule formula.
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His textbook included a detailed diagram of the Kekule formula for benzene.
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Chemists often use the Kekule formula to explain benzene's properties.
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His textbook included a detailed diagram of the Kekule formula for benzene.
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The Kekule formula helped scientists understand the structure of benzene.
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Chemists often use the Kekule formula to explain benzene's properties.
Synonyms
A diagram showing six carbon atoms in a ring, each attached to one hydrogen
A drawing that shows how atoms are joined in a molecule
Surface Forms
Morphology
Kekule + formula
‘Kekule’ is a proper name (the chemist August Kekulé) and carries no semantic content an average B1 learner would know, while ‘formula’ only signals a representation but not what is represented. The expression refers to a specific scientific structural depiction of benzene that requires domain or encyclopedic knowledge rather than compositional inference from its parts, so it is opaque.
Etymology
Kekule formula is named after the chemist August Kekulé, who said he once fell asleep and dreamed of a snake biting its tail. In that dream the snake made a 'ring', so he pictured benzene as a circle of six atoms with alternating single and double bonds, and the name now refers to that picture of benzene's shape.
