methylal

[ meth-uh-lal, meth-uh-lal ]

noun

, Chemistry.

1. a colorless, flammable, volatile liquid, C 3 H 8 O 2 , having a chloroformlike odor, used chiefly as a solvent, in perfumery, and in organic synthesis.

methylal

/ ˈmɛθɪˌlæl /

noun

1. a colourless volatile flammable liquid with an odour resembling that of chloroform, used as a solvent and in the manufacture of perfumes and adhesives. Formula: (CH 3 O) 2 CH 2 Also calledformal

Word History and Origins

Origin of methylal¹

First recorded in 1830–40; methyl- + -al ³

Example Sentences

In addition to formaldehyde, paraformaldehyde, trioxymethylene, methylal, hexamethylene-tetramine, and other substances containing a reactive methylene group, as well as acetaldehyde, benzaldehyde and other aldehydes may be employed to induce reaction.

From Project Gutenberg