hydrolyzable

Definition

Adjective:
- Capable of undergoing hydrolysis: Describes a substance, typically a chemical compound, that can be broken down or decomposed through a chemical reaction with water (hydrolysis).

Usage Examples

Adjective:
- Starch is a hydrolyzable polysaccharide that breaks down into simple sugars.
- The bond in this ester is hydrolyzable under acidic conditions.
- Many pharmaceutical compounds are designed to be hydrolyzable for easier absorption in the body.

Advanced Usage

Scientific Context: The term is primarily used in chemistry, biochemistry, and materials science to describe the susceptibility of chemical bonds (like ester, amide, or glycosidic bonds) to cleavage by water, often catalyzed by acids, bases, or enzymes.
- The hydrolyzable tannins in the plant extract were analyzed.
Comparative Usage: Often used to contrast with "non-hydrolyzable" or "hydrolysis-resistant" materials.
- Silicones are valued for their hydrolyzable linkages, unlike some purely carbon-based polymers.

Variants and Related Words

Hydrolyze (verb, US spelling): To subject to or undergo hydrolysis.
- The enzyme will hydrolyze the protein.
Hydrolysable (adjective, chiefly British spelling): An alternative spelling of 'hydrolyzable'.
Hydrolysis (noun): The chemical process of decomposition involving the splitting of a bond by water.
- Hydrolysis of sucrose yields glucose and fructose.
Hydrolytic (adjective): Relating to or involving hydrolysis.
- The hydrolytic enzyme was added to the mixture.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases/Concepts

Hydrolyzable bond: A specific chemical bond within a molecule that can be cleaved via hydrolysis.
- The drug's effectiveness depends on the cleavage of a hydrolyzable bond.
Hydrolyzable group: A functional group in an organic compound that can react with water.
- The presence of a hydrolyzable group makes the compound more reactive.

Adjective