acetic anhydride

American  

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.

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acetic anhydride British  

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of acetic anhydride

First recorded in 1875–80

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

acetic anhydride

Another makes acetic anhydride, a key ingredient of aspirin, and the third makes ethyl acetate, which is used as a solvent and for decaffeinating tea and coffee.

From BBC ● Sep. 22, 2026

It is heated to start the reaction, and when it is complete the resins, residual acetic anhydride and acetic acid are wicked away from the wood, and the pine has become Accoya.

From BBC ● May 6, 2011

A vacuum is created and then flooded with a liquid called acetic anhydride - effectively industrial vinegar - which is sucked into the spaces in the wood.

From BBC ● May 6, 2011

The so-called precursor chemicals, such as acetic anhydride, also have legal uses, including in the paint and pharmaceutical industries.

From Time Magazine Archive

Cellulose reacts directly with acetic anhydride to form low esters; in the presence of sulphuric acid the reaction proceeds to higher limits; the triacetate is soluble in chloroform.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 5, Slice 5 "Cat" to "Celt" by Various

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