Definition

A type of chemical compound that has a five-membered ring made up of three carbon atoms, one nitrogen atom, and one oxygen atom, often used in medicinal drugs.

Example

Oxazole is used in the synthesis of various pharmaceuticals.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of oxazole?

Yeah, I think it's some kind of chemical compound, right?

Exactly! It's a five-membered ring important in medicinal drugs.

That's interesting! I love learning about how these compounds work.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Oxazole is formed from "oxa-" (derived from the Greek "oxus", meaning sharp or acid) and "azole" (from the suffix used in organic chemistry to denote a five-membered ring containing nitrogen). The word refers to a specific type of heterocyclic compound that contains both oxygen and nitrogen in its structure, thus relating to its sharp or acidic properties.

Memory Tip

Think of 'oxa-' meaning sharp or acid, which helps you remember that 'oxazole' refers to a compound that has these characteristics due to its unique structure.

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