Geminal

/ˈdʒɛmɪnəl/ adjective

Definition

In chemistry and molecular biology, referring to atoms or groups attached to the same atom, or relating to twin structures.

Etymology

From Latin geminus 'twin' + -al suffix. Scientists adopted this term to describe chemical configurations where multiple atoms attach to a single central atom.

Kelly Says

Geminal chemistry explains why changing just the position of two atoms on a molecule can create completely different properties—sometimes making a medicine work or a poison form.

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