acetic anhydride

noun

, Chemistry.

1. a colorless, pungent liquid, C 4 H 6 O 3 , the anhydride of acetic acid: used chiefly as a reagent and in the production of plastics, film, and fabrics derived from cellulose.

acetic anhydride

noun

1. a colourless pungent liquid used in the manufacture of cellulose and vinyl acetates for synthetic fabrics. Formula: (CH 3 CO) 2 O

Word History and Origins

Origin of acetic anhydride¹

First recorded in 1875–80

Example Sentences

Jute reacts with nitric acid in presence of sulphuric acid to form nitrates; and with acetic anhydride to form low acetates.

From Project Gutenberg

When treated under pressure with three times its weight of acetic anhydride at 130-140° it dissolves perfectly.

From Project Gutenberg

Linalyl acetate, or artificial bergamot oil, is the ester formed when linalol is treated with acetic anhydride.

From Project Gutenberg

It may be synthesized from resorcin and malic anhydride or from β resorcyl aldehyde, acetic anhydride and sodium acetate.

From Project Gutenberg