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

See Examples For:

acetic anhydride

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

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

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

From Time Magazine Archive

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

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 7, Slice 6 "Coucy-le-Château" to "Crocodile" by Various

Example.—1.4367 grammes crude glycerine, after treatment with acetic anhydride, and neutralising, was saponified with 25 c.c. of a 10 per cent. caustic soda solution.

From The Handbook of Soap Manufacture by W. H. Simmons