open chain

noun

Chemistry.

1. a series of atoms linked in a chain not joined together at its ends, and so represented in its structural formula.

open chain

noun

1. a chain of atoms in a molecule that is not joined at its ends into the form of a ring

open chain

1. An arrangement of atoms of the same type that does not form a ring. Aliphatic compounds, such as ethane and isopropyl alcohol, are open-chain compounds.

Other Word Forms

• open-chain adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of open chain¹

First recorded in 1880–85