Acetal

Pronunciation

• enPR: ăsʹĭtăl', IPA: /ˈæsɪˌtæl/

Origin

From acet(ic) + al(cohol).

Full definition of acetal

Noun

1. (organic chemistry) Any diether of a geminal diol, R₂C(OR')₂ (where R' does not = H).

Usage notes

Originally the term applied only to derivatives of aldehydes (One R = H) but now also applies to ketones

Derived terms

• spiroacetal