n. 1. A thick, colorless to pale yellow liquid, C4H8O2, obtained from acetaldehyde and used in perfumery and as a solvent. 2. An organic compound containing an alcohol and a carbonyl group, especially a beta-hydroxy aldehyde. 3. A chemical reaction that produces a beta-hydroxy carbonyl compound as an intermediate or final product. [ALD(EHYDE) + -OL1.] |
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