open chain

American  

noun

Chemistry.

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

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open chain British  

noun

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

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open chain Scientific  

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.

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Other Word Forms

• open-chain
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of open chain

First recorded in 1880–85

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

open chain

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.

From Researches on Cellulose 1895-1900 by C. F. Cross

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

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

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

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 12, Slice 2 "Gloss" to "Gordon, Charles George" by Various