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alkoxy

alkoxy

9.4
A group of atoms with an oxygen atom joined to a small carbon chain
  • noun
  • /ælˈkɒksi/
  • Specialized
translation icon : grupo alcoxi
  • Chemists often replace a hydrogen atom with an alkoxy group to modify molecular properties.

Examples

  • The compound contains an alkoxy group.

  • The alkoxy substituent plays a key role in the reactivity of this molecule.

  • The presence of an alkoxy group can increase the solubility of a compound in organic solvents.

  • Many alkoxies are used in organic synthesis.

  • The presence of an alkoxy group can increase the solubility of a compound in organic solvents.

  • Chemists often replace a hydrogen atom with an alkoxy group to modify molecular properties.

  • The alkoxy substituent plays a key role in the reactivity of this molecule.

Synonyms

methoxy
vsalkoxy
  • Specialized
9.5

A small chemical group with an oxygen atom bonded to a methyl group

refers to any alkyl group bonded to oxygen rather than only one-carbon groups
butoxy
vsalkoxy
  • Specialized
9.9

An oxygen atom joined to a chain of four carbon atoms

refers to any alkyl group bonded to oxygen rather than a four-carbon chain

Surface Forms

alkoxy singular
alkoxies plural

Morphology

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

Built from 'alkyl' + the combining form '-oxy'; clear within chemical morphology but specialized vocabulary for general learners.

Etymology

Alkoxy is formed from alkyl ('a small carbon chain') and oxy ('oxygen'), like the 'oxy' in oxygen. An alkoxy is therefore an oxygen atom joined to a carbon chain, often written as 'OR' in chemistry.