acetin

noun

ac·​e·​tin ˈas-ət-ən How to pronounce acetin (audio)
: any of three liquid acetates formed when glycerol and acetic acid are heated together:
a
: one C3H5(OH)2C2H3O2 containing only one acetate group that is used chiefly in the manufacture of explosives

called also monoacetin

b
: one C3H5(OH)(C2H3O2)2 containing two acetate groups that is used chiefly as a plasticizer and solvent

called also diacetin

c
: one C3H5(C2H3O2)3 containing three acetate groups that is used chiefly as a plasticizer and solvent and as a fixative in perfumes

called also triacetin

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Cite this Entry

“Acetin.” Merriam-Webster.com Medical Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/medical/acetin. Accessed 23 Apr. 2024.

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