octanol

noun

oc·​ta·​nol
ˈäktəˌnȯl,
-nōl
plural -s
: any of four liquid alcohols C8H17OH derived from normal octane: such as
a
: the primary alcohol CH3(CH2)6CH2OH having a penetrating odor, occurring free or in the form of esters in oils from plant seeds and fruits, and used chiefly in organic synthesis and in perfumes

called also 1-octanol, n-octyl alcohol

b
: a viscous oily secondary alcohol CH3(CH2)5CH(OH)CH3 having an aromatic odor, made by heating the sodium soap of castor oil, and used chiefly as a solvent, in organic synthesis, and in perfumes

called also 2-octanol

Word History

Etymology

octane + -ol

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Cite this Entry

“Octanol.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/octanol. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

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