non-aromatic
Definition
- Adjective:
- Lacking a distinctive, sweet, or pungent smell; not fragrant or odorous: Describes a substance, compound, or object that does not have a noticeable or pleasant aroma. It is often used in contrast to aromatic things.
- (Chemistry) Not containing an aromatic ring; aliphatic: In organic chemistry, describes a compound whose molecular structure is not based on a stable ring of atoms with alternating double and single bonds (like benzene). These compounds are typically less reactive in specific organic reactions.
Usage Examples
- General Use:
- The laboratory solvent was chosen because it is non-aromatic and will not interfere with the smell of the perfume being developed.
- This variety of rice is non-aromatic, unlike jasmine or basmati rice.
- Chemistry:
- Methane and cyclohexane are examples of non-aromatic hydrocarbons.
- The reaction proceeds differently for aromatic and non-aromatic substrates.
Advanced Usage
- Technical Distinction: In specialized contexts like chemistry, "non-aromatic" can be a broad category that includes both aliphatic (chain-like) and antiaromatic (unstable ring) compounds, though it is most commonly used as a synonym for aliphatic when contrasting with aromatic systems.
- For this synthesis, you must start with a non-aromatic starting material.
Variants and Related Words
- Aromatic (adj): Having a strong, pleasant smell; (Chemistry) containing a stable ring of atoms with specific bonding patterns.
- Odorless (adj): Having no smell at all. (This is a stronger term than "non-aromatic," which sometimes implies the absence of a smell but not necessarily all smell.)
- Aliphatic (adj): (Chemistry) Of, relating to, or being an organic compound with an open-chain structure (e.g., alkanes, alkenes). Often used interchangeably with "non-aromatic" in chemistry.
Synonyms
- Odorless (in some contexts)
- Unscented
- Inodorous
- (Chemistry) Aliphatic
Antonyms
- Aromatic
- Fragrant
- Odorous
- Perfumed
Adjective
-
not aromatic
