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

Example Sentences

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

Add about 3 grams of the anhydrous sodium acetate, then 7.5 cc. of the acetic anhydride, and connect the flask with an upright Liebig condenser.

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

It cannot be converted into coumarin by heating alone, but it is readily transformed on heating with acetic anhydride or acetyl chloride.

From Project Gutenberg

This compound, soluble in acetic anhydride, was boiled with it for six hours after adding fused sodium acetate, and the product separated by pouring into water.

From Project Gutenberg