Wolff-Kishner reaction

noun

Wolff-Kish·​ner reaction
ˈwu̇lfˈkishnə(r)-
: an indirect reduction of an aldehyde or ketone to the corresponding hydrocarbon by heating the hydrazone or semicarbazone derivative with an alcoholic solution of sodium ethoxide or with solid potassium hydroxide

Word History

Etymology

after Ludwig Wolff fl1914 and N. Kishner fl1914 German chemists

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near Wolff-Kishner reaction

Cite this Entry

“Wolff-Kishner reaction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Wolff-Kishner%20reaction. Accessed 29 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!