Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
🧪 Containing OR group 🧪 OR chemical group
alkoxy

alkoxy

9.9
Containing an oxygen atom joined to a small carbon chain in a molecule
  • adjective
  • /ælˈkɒksi/
  • Specialized
translation icon : alcoxi
  • Chemists often use alkoxy substituents to modify the properties of aromatic rings.

Examples

  • The alkoxy group increases the solubility of the compound in organic solvents.

  • An alkoxy chain can affect the reactivity of a molecule in chemical reactions.

  • The alkoxy group is essential in organic chemistry.

  • Many alkoxy compounds are used in pharmaceuticals.

  • The alkoxy group improves the stability of various chemical compounds.

  • In organic synthesis, alkoxy substituents play a crucial role in altering reactivity.

  • Chemists frequently incorporate an alkoxy group to enhance the solubility of their products.

Surface Forms

alkoxy positive

Morphology

alkoxy = alkyl + oxygen (semi-transparent) = alk + oxy

The components 'alkyl' and 'oxygen' are clear, but the specific chemical meaning requires specialized knowledge.

Etymology

Alkoxy comes from the parts alkyl meaning 'a small carbon chain' and oxy meaning 'oxygen', the same 'oxy' you see in oxygen. So alkoxy describes something that contains an oxygen atom attached to a carbon chain.