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

Example Sentences

This open chain structure is challenged in the views put forward by T. M. Lowry and E. F. Armstrong.

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Mr. Liu, the 37-year-old founder of 360buy.com, has told Chinese newspapers that he started out selling software from a small booth and then began to open chain stores in various cities.

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Generally rupture occurs at more than one point; and rarely are the six carbon atoms of the complex regained as an open chain.

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If of the ordinary carbohydrate type, formulated with an open chain, there is little to surmise beyond the change of position of a CO- group.

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