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acetic anhydride

noun
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Definition of acetic anhydride

: a colorless liquid C4H6O3 with a pungent odor used in organic synthesis (as of cellulose acetate and aspirin)

First Known Use of acetic anhydride

1855, in the meaning defined above

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The first known use of acetic anhydride was in 1855

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Cite this Entry

“Acetic anhydride.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/acetic%20anhydride. Accessed 5 Jun. 2020.

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More Definitions for acetic anhydride

acetic anhydride

noun

Medical Definition of acetic anhydride

: a colorless liquid (CH3CO)2O with a pungent odor and lacrimatory and vesicant action that is used especially in making acetyl derivatives (as aspirin)

More from Merriam-Webster on acetic anhydride

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about acetic anhydride

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