Dimethylketol

/ˌdaɪˈmɛθəlˈkitoʊl/ noun

Definition

A chemical compound containing both a ketone group (C=O) and a hydroxyl group (OH) with two methyl substituents, used in organic synthesis and fragrance chemistry.

Etymology

From dimethyl (two methyl groups) + ketol (keto- relating to ketones + -ol relating to alcohols). This portmanteau describes a molecule with both functional groups present.

Kelly Says

Dimethylketols are molecular shapeshifters—the ketone and hydroxyl groups can react with each other (called cyclization) to form ring structures that are the basis for many natural perfume and flavor molecules.

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