carbonyl

American  

[kahr-buh-nil] / ˈkɑr bə nɪl /

adjective

1. containing the carbonyl group.

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noun

1. a compound containing metal combined with carbon monoxide, as nickel carbonyl, Ni(CO) 4 .

carbonyl British  

/ -nɪl, ˈkɑːbəˌnaɪl, ˌkɑːbəˈnɪlɪk /

noun

1. (modifier) of, consisting of, or containing the divalent group =CO

   a carbonyl group or radical

2. any one of a class of inorganic complexes in which carbonyl groups are bound directly to metal atoms

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carbonyl Scientific  

/ kär′bə-nĭl′ /

1. The radical CO, found in a wide range of chemical compounds, especially in aldehydes and ketones.

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Other Word Forms

• carbonylic adjective

Etymology

Origin of carbonyl

First recorded in 1865–70; carbon + -yl

Compare meaning

How does carbonyl compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• carbonyl vs. carboxyl

Example Sentences

Through both laboratory experiments and computer simulations, the researchers discovered that Ca2+ ions move quickly along aligned carbonyl groups inside the structured pores of the covalent organic frameworks.

From Science Daily • Feb. 13, 2026

Previous researchers have developed cathodes from more abundant and lower cost carbon-containing materials, including organosulfur and carbonyl compounds, but those prototypes couldn't match the energy output and stability of traditional lithium-ion batteries.

From Science Daily • Jan. 18, 2024

Volcanoes and industrial emissions are the main natural sources of sulfur dioxide, one precursor of sulfates; carbonyl sulfide, a gas emitted by microbes in the oceans, is another.

From Science Magazine • Feb. 13, 2023

In addition to simple ices such as water, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, ammonia, and methane, Webb sees several other compounds, including carbonyl sulphide and the more complex organic ice methanol.

From BBC • Jan. 24, 2023

By the action of hydroxylamine or phenylhydrazine on aldehydes or ketones, condensation occurs between the carbonyl oxygen of the aldehyde or ketone and the amino group of the hydroxylamine or hydrazine.

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