Ketene definition
A pungent, toxic, colorless gas, C2 H2 O, used chiefly as an acetylation agent.
noun
A colorless, toxic gas, H2C∶CO, with a penetrating odor, made by passing acetone or acetic acid through hot metal tubes: used esp. as an acetylating agent.
noun
Any of a series of related organic compounds containing the C∶CO group.
noun
(organic chemistry) Any of a class of unsaturated ketones, having a general formula R1R2C=C=O, that react as if they were inner acid anhydrides.
noun
(organic chemistry) The parent compound of this class, CH2=C=O, an unstable, reactive colourless gas.
noun
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Other Word Forms
Noun
Singular:
ketene
Plural:
ketenes