Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
alkoxide
Noun
/ˈæl.kɒk.saɪd/
Definition
An alkoxide is a compound derived from an alcohol by the removal of the hydroxyl group (-OH) and replacing it with an alkyl group (R).
Examples
- When sodium reacts with ethanol, it forms sodium ethoxide, a common alkoxide.
- Alkoxides are often used in the preparation of various organic compounds.
- The formation of alkoxides is crucial in the synthesis of some pharmaceuticals.
Meaning
Alkoxides are important in organic chemistry, especially in reactions involving nucleophiles. They can be viewed as the ionic form of alcohols, consisting of an alkyl group negatively charged and attached to a metal cation.
Synonyms
- Alcoholate
- Alkyl oxide
