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Chemistry

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Preferred term

geminal  

Definition

  • In chemistry, the descriptor geminal refers to the relationship between two atoms or functional groups that are attached to the same atom. The word comes from Latin gemini meaning "twins". A geminal diol, for example, is a diol (a molecule that has two alcohol functional groups) attached to the same carbon atom, as in methanediol. Also the shortened prefix gem may be applied to a chemical name to denote this relationship, as in a gem-dibromide for "geminal dibromide".The concept is important in many branches of chemistry, including synthesis and spectroscopy, because functional groups attached to the same atom often behave differently from when they are separated. Geminal diols, for example, are easily converted to ketones or aldehydes with loss of water. (From Wikipedia)

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URI

http://data.loterre.fr/ark:/67375/37T-PDNJGNGZ-Z

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