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Glite Dictionary
aliphatic compound

aliphatic compound

7.1
A chemical that has carbon atoms in open chains, not rings like benzene
  • noun
  • /ˌælɪˈfætɪk ˈkɒmpaʊnd/
  • Specialized
translation icon : compuesto alifático
  • Hexane is an example of an aliphatic compound with a straight-chain structure.

Examples

  • Unlike aromatic compounds, aliphatic compounds do not contain benzene rings.

  • Many fuels and solvents are made from aliphatic compounds found in petroleum.

  • An aliphatic compound is a type of organic molecule.

  • Many aliphatic compounds are used in the chemical industry.

  • Hexane is an example of an aliphatic compound with a straight-chain structure.

  • Many fuels and solvents are made from aliphatic compounds derived from petroleum.

  • Unlike aromatic compounds, aliphatic compounds have carbon atoms forming open chains.

Surface Forms

aliphatic compound singular
aliphatic compounds plural

Morphology

aliphatic + compound

The phrase is fully compositional: the adjective 'aliphatic' qualifies the noun 'compound', so the meaning 'a compound with open-chain carbon structure' is directly derivable from the constituent words. Although 'aliphatic' is specialised scientific vocabulary, if a learner knows that adjective and 'compound' the adjective+noun pattern makes the MWE transparent.

Etymology

Aliphatic compound may come from old words for fats or oils because chemists first found these molecules in greasy substances. Their carbon atoms form an open chain, not a closed ring, so the name helps you remember they are 'open chain' molecules today.