methylal

[ meth-uh-lal, meth-uh-lal ]

/ ˌmɛθ əˈlæl, ˈmɛθ əˌlæl /

noun Chemistry.

a colorless, flammable, volatile liquid, C3H8O2, having a chloroformlike odor, used chiefly as a solvent, in perfumery, and in organic synthesis.

Nearby words

methyl sulfate, methyl transferase, methyl violet, methyl-, methylacetic acid, methylal, methylamine, methylate, methylated spirits, methylation, methylbenzene

Origin of methylal

First recorded in 1830–40; methyl- + -al³

Also called dimethoxymethane, formal.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

British Dictionary definitions for methylal

methylal

/ (ˈmɛθɪˌlæl) /

noun

a colourless volatile flammable liquid with an odour resembling that of chloroform, used as a solvent and in the manufacture of perfumes and adhesives. Formula: (CH 3 O) 2 CH 2Also called: formal

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012