Definition

1. Noun:
   • Organic compounds that react with water to form an acid: Acid anhydrides are a class of chemical compounds, typically derived from acids by the removal of water. They are characterized by their reactivity with water (hydrolysis), which regenerates the parent acid.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Acetic anhydride is a common laboratory reagent and an example of acid anhydrides.
  • The reaction of acid anhydrides with water is exothermic and yields carboxylic acids.
  • In organic synthesis, acid anhydrides are often used for acylation reactions.

Advanced Usage

• "Mixed anhydride": An acid anhydride derived from two different carboxylic acids.

  • A mixed anhydride can be an intermediate in the formation of peptide bonds.

• "Symmetrical anhydride": An acid anhydride where both acyl groups are identical.

  • Acetic anhydride is a symmetrical anhydride derived from two molecules of acetic acid.

Variants and Related Words

• Anhydride (n): The general term for a compound formed by the removal of water. "Acid anhydride" is a specific type.

  • Sulfur trioxide is an anhydride of sulfuric acid.

• Acyl group (n): The functional group (R-CO-) transferred by acid anhydrides and other reagents.

  • The reaction involves the transfer of an acyl group from the anhydride.

Synonyms

• Acyl anhydride: A more precise synonym, emphasizing the acyl group composition.
• Acid oxide: A term sometimes used for inorganic anhydrides (e.g., carbon dioxide is the acid oxide of carbonic acid).

Related Phrases and Concepts

• Hydrolysis of anhydrides: The chemical process where acid anhydrides react with water.

  • The hydrolysis of acid anhydrides is a key step in their identification.

• Acylation agent: A substance, like an acid anhydride, used to introduce an acyl group into a molecule.

  • Acid anhydrides serve as effective acylation agents in organic chemistry.

Noun

1. organic compounds that react with water to form an acid