Skip to definition.
Get the FREE one-click dictionary software for Windows or the iPhone/iPad and Android apps


Noun: open chain  ow-pun cheyn
  1. A chain of atoms in a molecule whose ends are not joined to form a ring
Adjective: open-chain
  1. (chemistry) having an open chain structure
    - acyclic

Derived forms: open chains

See also: aliphatic

Type of: chain, chemical chain

Antonym: ring

Encyclopedia: Open chain

Open-chain