In chemistry, an open-chain compound (also spelled as open chain compound) or acyclic compound is a compound with a linear structure, rather than a cyclic one. An open-chain compound having no side chains is called a straight-chain compound (also spelled as straight chain compound).
| Open-chain compound | Straight-chain compound | cyclic compound |
Famous quotes containing the word compound:
“Work is a responsibility most adults assume, a burden at times, a complication, but also a challenge that, like children, requires enormous energy and that holds the potential for qualitative, as well as quantitative, rewards. Isn’t this the only constructive perspective for women who have no choice but to work? And isn’t it a more healthy attitude for women writhing with guilt because they choose to compound the challenges of motherhood with work they enjoy?”
—Melinda M. Marshall (20th century)