Definition

A chemical group or radical that contains one nitrogen atom bonded to one oxygen atom, often found in various chemical compounds.

Example

The chemist studied the properties of the nitroso group in organic reactions.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of nitroso compounds?

Yeah, I read they can be quite interesting in chemistry.

Right? I find it fascinating how the nitroso group works in different reactions.

Definitely! It’s amazing how such small changes can have big effects.

Root Explanation

Nitroso is derived from "nitro-" (from Latin "nitrum", meaning saltpeter or nitrate) and "-so" (a suffix used in chemistry to denote a specific type of compound). The term "nitroso" refers to compounds containing the nitroso group, which is characterized by the presence of nitrogen and oxygen.

Memory Tip

Think of 'nitro-' as relating to nitrogen compounds, and remember that 'nitroso' refers to a specific type of nitrogen compound.

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