Desmotropism

/dɛzˈmɒtrəˌpɪzəm/ noun

Definition

The property of a chemical compound to exist in or shift between two or more distinct molecular forms with different arrangements of atoms.

Etymology

From Greek 'desmos' (bond) and 'tropos' (turning) plus the suffix '-ism' indicating a property or condition. A chemistry term coined to describe molecular shape-shifting.

Kelly Says

Desmotropism explains why some colorful dyes change color when you change the pH—the molecule is literally rearranging its bonds to switch between different structural forms.

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