Acetalization

/ˌæsɪtəlaɪˈzeɪʃən/ noun

Definition

The chemical process of converting a compound into an acetal by reacting an aldehyde or ketone with an alcohol.

Etymology

From acetalize + -tion (noun suffix). The verb form 'acetalize' emerged in the 19th century when this protective reaction became important in synthetic chemistry.

Kelly Says

Acetalization is like wrapping a present—chemists use it to temporarily protect fragile parts of a molecule during synthesis, then unwrap it later when the dangerous construction work is done.

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