hydroxylate
Upper-Intermediate (B2)
IPA: /haɪˈdrɒksɪleɪt/
KK: /haɪˈdrɒksɪleɪt/
transitive verb
Definition
To add a hydroxyl group to a chemical compound, which can change its properties and reactivity.
Example
Chemists often hydroxylate organic compounds to enhance their solubility in water.
Tense Forms
Past: hydroxylated
Past Participle: hydroxylated
Conversation
Have you ever heard of the process to hydroxylate organic compounds?
Yeah, I think it's used a lot in chemistry, right?
Exactly! It helps in modifying substances for various reactions.
That sounds interesting; I’d love to learn more about it!
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
hydroxylate
Antonyms
dehydrate
desaturate
oxidize
Root Explanation
Hydroxylate → It is formed from "hydro-" (from Greek "hydor", meaning water) and "-yl" (a suffix used in chemistry to denote a radical or group) and "-ate" (a suffix used to indicate a chemical reaction or process). The word "hydroxylate" refers to the process of introducing a hydroxyl group (–OH) into a compound, typically involving water.
Memory Tip
Think of 'water' ('hydro-') being added to a chemical compound, which is what hydroxylate means.
Visually Confused Words
No commonly confused words.