dioxolane

noun

di·​ox·​o·​lane

dīˈäksəˌlān

plural -s

1

: a water-soluble liquid cyclic acetal C₃H₆O₂ made usually from formaldehyde and ethylene glycol that is capable of polymerizing to poly-acetal resins having essentially the open-chain structure (−OCH₂OCH₂CH₂−)_χ

called also 1,3- dioxolane

2

: a derivative of dioxolane made usually by reaction of an aldehyde or ketone with formaldehyde, many such derivatives being capable of polymerizing to useful products (such as supports for photographic emulsions)

Word History

Etymology

dioxol chemical compound having the formula C₃H₄O₂ (International Scientific Vocabulary di- + ox- + -ol) + -ane

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

1. Expanded definitions
2. Detailed etymologies
3. Advanced search tools
4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now