Ethoxide

/ˈɛθɒksaɪd/ noun

Definition

A chemical compound formed when an ethyl group is bonded to an oxygen atom, commonly used in organic chemistry reactions.

Etymology

From ethoxy (ethyl + oxygen) + -ide (chemical suffix). Ethoxides were named as organic chemistry became systematic in the 19th century.

Kelly Says

Sodium ethoxide is used in making biodiesel fuel from vegetable oil—basically a chemistry trick to rearrange molecules so cars can run on French fry grease.

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