open-chain

7.2

A molecule with a chain of atoms that does not form a ring

adjective
/ˈoʊpən tʃeɪn/

Specialized

: cadena abierta

Glucose can exist in both open-chain and cyclic forms, depending on the conditions.

Examples

Alkanes such as hexane are typical examples of open-chain hydrocarbons.
An open-chain compound can react differently than a cyclic one.
The scientist explained that the compound was open-chain rather than a ring structure.
Why are open-chain molecules important in organic chemistry?
Alkanes such as hexane are typical examples of open-chain hydrocarbons.
The scientist explained that the compound was open-chain rather than a ring structure.
An open-chain molecule can react differently than any cyclic molecule.

Synonyms

aliphatic

vsopen-chain

Specialized

1 9.9

Made of carbon atoms joined in open chains, not in rings

applies more generally to molecules, not only carbon-based organic compounds

open chain

vsopen-chain

Specialized

7.2

A chain of atoms in a molecule whose ends do not join to make a ring

is written with a hyphen rather than as two words

acyclic

vsopen-chain

Specialized

8.8

Not forming a ring or closed loop, often describing molecules with open chains

focuses on chains that can be branched or unbranched rather than rings

Antonyms

closed-chain

Specialized

8.8

A molecule with atoms joined in a ring shape

Surface Forms

open-chain positive

Morphology

open-chain = open + chain (semi-transparent) = open + chain

The components 'open' and 'chain' are literal and identifiable, but the specific technical meaning in chemistry (contrast with cyclic/ring structures) is specialized and may not be obvious to general learners.

Etymology

Open-chain comes from the simple English words open ('not closed') and chain ('a linked line'). So an open-chain molecule is like a necklace that is not fastened into a circle: its atoms make a line rather than a ring.