open chain

American  

noun

Chemistry.

1. a series of atoms linked in a chain not joined together at its ends, and so represented in its structural formula.

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open chain British  

noun

1. a chain of atoms in a molecule that is not joined at its ends into the form of a ring

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open chain Scientific  

1. An arrangement of atoms of the same type that does not form a ring. Aliphatic compounds, such as ethane and isopropyl alcohol, are open-chain compounds.

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Other Word Forms

• open-chain adjective

Etymology

Origin of open chain

First recorded in 1880–85

Example Sentences

This open chain structure is challenged in the views put forward by T. M. Lowry and E. F. Armstrong.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 12, Slice 2 "Gloss" to "Gordon, Charles George" by Various

Generally rupture occurs at more than one point; and rarely are the six carbon atoms of the complex regained as an open chain.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 6, Slice 1 "Châtelet" to "Chicago" by Various

If of the ordinary carbohydrate type, formulated with an open chain, there is little to surmise beyond the change of position of a CO- group.

From Researches on Cellulose 1895-1900 by Cross, C. F.