Campholide

/ˈkæmfəˌlaɪd/ noun

Definition

A cyclic chemical compound formed from camphor derivatives, containing a lactone ring structure (a ring with a carbon-oxygen bond).

Etymology

From 'campho-' plus '-lide' (suffix denoting a lactone, a cyclic ester formed by internal esterification). This specialized term was coined in structural organic chemistry.

Kelly Says

Campholide is a molecule that has 'closed the loop' on itself—it started as an open chain (camphor derivatives) and then chemists made it form a ring, which changes its properties completely. This ring-closing reaction is one of the most useful tricks organic chemists have.

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