Derivative (chemistry)

In chemistry, a derivative is a compound that is formed from a similar compound or a compound that can be imagined to arise from another compound, if one atom is replaced with another atom or group of atoms.^[1] The latter definition is common in organic chemistry. In biochemistry, the word is used about compounds that at least theoretically can be formed from the precursor compound.^[2]

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Chemical derivatives may be used to facilitate analysis. For example, melting point (MP) analysis can assist in identification of many organic compounds. A crystalline derivative may be prepared, such as a semicarbazone or 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazone (derived from aldehydes/ketones), as a simple way of verifying the identity of the original compound, assuming that a table of derivative MP values is available.^[3] Prior to the advent of spectroscopic analysis, such methods were widely used.

See also

• Derivatization

References

1. ^ Definition of Derivative. Chemicool (September 18, 2007). Retrieved on September 18, 2007.
2. ^ Oxford Dictionary of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. Oxford University Press. ISBN 0-19-850673-2. 
3. ^ Williamson, Kenneth L. (1999). Macroscale and Microscale Organic Experiments, 3rd ed.. Boston: Houghton-Mifflin, 426-7. ISBN 0-395-90220-7.