achiraladj.
/eɪˈkʌɪrəl/, /eɪˈkʌɪrl̩/, U.S. /eɪˈkaɪrəl/ Chemistry.
Chiefly of a molecule or crystal structure: symmetrical in such a way that it can be superimposed on its mirror image; not chiral.
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the world > matter > chemistry > chemical structure or stereochemistry > [adjective] > of or relating to chirality > not chiral
achiral1921
1921 Proc. Royal Soc. A. 99 6 From achiral molecules a crystalline structure of chiral quality can thus be formed.
1971 Sci. Amer. July 120/1 The molecules of sodium chlorate are achiral but the crystal is chiral.
1999 A. W. Johnson Invitation Org. Chem. xvii. 633 When pyruvic acid is reduced in the laboratory with sodium borohydride, an achiral reagent, racemic lactic acid results.
Derivatives
ˌachiˈrality n. the state or property of being achiral.
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the world > matter > chemistry > chemical structure or stereochemistry > [noun] > chirality > achirality
achirality1969
1969 Tetrahedron Lett. No. 11. 897 The nmr resonance signal..is positive evidence for chirality in the system but the absence of this feature is not conclusive for achirality.
2004 Jrnl. Amer. Chem. Soc. 126 6460 The achirality of the succinate ensures that nucleation points of either chirality are equally created.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, September 2009; most recently modified version published online December 2021).
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adj.1921