ethoxide
|eth-ox-ide|
🇺🇸
/ɛˈθɑːksaɪd/
🇬🇧
/ɛˈθɒksaɪd/
ethanol-derived alkoxide (C2H5O−)
Etymology
'ethoxide' originates from modern chemical nomenclature, combining the root 'eth-' (from 'ethyl') with 'oxy' (from 'oxygen') and the anion-forming suffix '-ide', where 'ethyl' ultimately derives from 'ether'.
'ethoxide' formed in the 19th–20th century from components used in systematic nomenclature: 'ethoxy' (ethyl + oxy) + '-ide', and became the standard name for the C2H5O− ion and its salts.
Initially, it meant 'the alkoxide ion derived from ethanol' and by extension 'its salts'; this meaning has remained stable in modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the ethoxide ion (C2H5O−), the conjugate base of ethanol; an alkoxide derived from ethanol.
In E2 eliminations, ethoxide acts as a strong base.
Synonyms
Noun 2
a salt or compound containing the ethoxide ion, such as sodium ethoxide or potassium ethoxide.
The solution of ethoxide was prepared in absolute ethanol.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/08/11 21:21