sexivalent

A chemist writes "sexivalent" on the board next to a molecular diagram.

Definition

1. Adjective (Chemistry):
   • Having a valence of six: "sexivalent" describes an atom, ion, or element that has a chemical valence (combining power) of six. This means it can form six chemical bonds with other atoms.

Usage Examples

• (Chromium with a valence of six is very poisonous.)
• (Sulfur with a valence of six is present in H₂SO₄.)

Advanced Usage

• "sexivalent compound": a chemical compound where the central atom has a valence of six.

  • Uranium hexafluoride is a sexivalent compound used in nuclear enrichment. (This compound contains uranium with a valence of six.)

• "sexivalent oxidation state": the oxidation state corresponding to a valence of six.

  • Molybdenum can exist in a sexivalent oxidation state in certain catalysts. (Molybdenum has a +6 oxidation state in these compounds.)

Variants and Related Words

• Sexivalency (noun): the quality or state of being sexivalent.

  • The sexivalency of tungsten allows it to form stable complexes. (The property of having a valence of six.)

• Sexivalent (same form, used as a noun in chemistry): an atom or ion with a valence of six.

  • In this reaction, the sexivalent is reduced to a lower valence. (The ion with valence six is reduced.)

Synonyms

• Hexavalent: a more common term meaning the same thing — having a valence of six.

  • Hexavalent chromium is a known carcinogen. (Chromium with valence six.)

• Six-valent: a descriptive phrase meaning the same.

  • Six-valent compounds are often used in industrial processes.

Phrasal Verbs

• None: "sexivalent" is a technical adjective and does not form phrasal verbs.

Related Idioms

• None: "sexivalent" is a specialized scientific term and does not appear in common idioms.