Acetation

/ˌæsɪˈteɪʃən/ noun

Definition

The chemical process of introducing an acetyl group or acetate into a molecule or substance.

Etymology

From 'acetate' + Latin suffix '-tion' (indicating an action or process). This is a systematic formation combining the chemical term 'acetate' with the standard suffix for describing chemical reactions and transformations.

Kelly Says

Acetation is how aspirin is made—by acetylating salicylic acid—and this simple chemical trick transformed medicine by creating a painkiller gentler on the stomach than plain aspirin's predecessors!

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