Chemistry Glossary Flashcards
A group of chemicals used in addition to vascular and cavity embalming fluids; most are applied to the body surface
Accessory Chemicals
A substance that yields hydrogen or hydronium ions in a/an water (aqueous) solution
Acid (Arrhenius)
A substance that donates a proton
Acid (Bronsted-Lowry)
A substance that accepts a pair of electrons
Acid (Lewis)
A wax-like material produced by saponification of body fat in a body buried in alkaline soil
Adipocere AKA Grave Wax
Ag
Silver
Al
Aluminum
-AL
Suffix for an aldehyde
The predecessor of chemistry, had its roots in ancient Egypt. The Greeks named Egypt Kemi, because of the rich black soil
Alchemy
An organic compound containing one or more hydroxyl (-OH) groups. General formula for monohydroxyl alcohol is R-OH, where R is a hydrocarbon group
Alcohol
An organic compound containing one or more -CHO groups. The general formula is RCHO where R is a hydrocarbon group of hydrogen
Aldehyde
A sugar in which the functional groups are hydroxyl groups (-OH) and an aldehyde group (-CHO)
Aldose
Pertaining to any member of one of the two major groups of organic compounds, those having straight or branch chain structures
Aliphatic
A saturated hydrocarbon; a hydrocarbon that has no carbon carbon multiple bonds; formerly called the paraffin series
Alkane
A hydrocarbon containing a double bond
Alkene
A hydrocarbon containing a triple bond
Alkyne
A monovalent radical of the general formula CnH2n+1 formed when an alkane loses one hydrogen atom
Alkyl Group
An aliphatic hydrocarbon with one or more halogen atoms attached
Alkyl Halide
The existence of an element in two or more distinct forms
Allotropism
Any compound containing nitrogen; any group of compounds formed from ammonia by replacement of one or more hydrogen atoms by organic radicals. The general formula for primary _____ is R-NH2
Amine
The building blocks or proteins; a compound containing an amino group (-NH2), a carboxyl (-COOH) group, and a radical
Amino Acid
A compound that can act as both an acid and a base
Amphoteric
A negatively charged atom or group of atoms
Anion
Used to keep the blood in the liquid state; chemicals that retard the tendency of blood to become more viscous by natural postmortem processes and/or prevent any other adverse reactions from occurring between the blood and the other embalming chemicals
Anticoagulants
A solution in which water is the solvent
Aqueous Solution
Any compound containing a resonance stabilized ring such as benzene or toluene
Aromatic
The concentrated, preservative embalming chemical that will be diluted with water to form the arterial solution for injection into the arterial system during vascular embalming
Arterial Fluid
As
Arsenic
The smallest particle of an element that has all the properties of the element
Atom
Au
Gold
Self digestion or self-destruction of the body by autolytic enzymes
Autolysis
Those chemicals specifically designed for use in the preparation of bodies that have been autopsied
Autopsy Chemicals
A substance that yields hydroxide ions in aqueous solution
Base (Arrhenius)
A substance that accepts a proton
Base (Bronsted-Lowry)
A substance that donates a pair of electrons
Base (Lewis)
A mixture of alkylbenzyldimethylammonium chlorides. It and several very similar mixtures are used in the embalming laboratory in solutions for sterilization of instruments
Benzalkonium Chloride
That branch of chemistry dealing with compounds produced by living organisms
Biochemistry
The rapid passage of liquid particles to the vapor state by forming bubbles
Boiling
A very mild antiseptic added to embalming fluid. It helps regulate the acid-base balance
Boric Acid
Br
Bromine
Substances that in solution are capable of neutralizing, within limits, both acids and bases and thereby maintaining the original, or a constant pH, of the solution
Buffers
Ca
Calcium
The amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one gram of water to one degree C at 15 degrees C
Calorie (c)
A compound of hydrogen, carbon, and oxygen that is an aldehyde or ketone derivative of a polyhydroxyl alcohol (Ex. sugars, starches, glycogen)
Carbohydrate
A chemical group composed of one carbon atom double bonded to oxygen
Carbonyl Group
An organic compound containing the carboxyl group (-COOH)
Carboxylic Acid (Organic Acid)
A positively charged atom or group of atoms
Cation
A substance that changes the rate of a chemical reaction but undergoes no net change itself during the reaction
Catalyst
Concentrated embalming chemicals that are injected into the cavities of the body following aspiration in cavity embalming. These fluids can also be used for surface and hypodermic embalming fo the problem areas
Cavity Fluids
Cd
Cadmium
The temperature scale defined so that the freezing point of water is 0 degrees and its boiling point is 100 degrees at 1 atmosphere of pressure
Celsius Temperature
One hundredth of a meter
Cenitmeter
prefix for 1/100th
Centi
A greek word that means an infusion which literally means poured into
Chemia
One in which a new substance or substances are produced that have entirely different properties from the original substance because the chemical composition has changed
Chemical Change
A characteristic that can be observed when a substance is interacting with other substances resulting in change in chemical composition
Chemical Properties
The branch of natural science that is concerned with the description and classification of matter, with the changes that matter undergoes, and with the energy associated with each of these changes
Chemistry
Cl
Chlorine
The process of converting soluble protein to insoluble protein by heating or by contact with a chemical such as an alcohol or an aldehyde
Coagulation
A solution like system in which the size of solute particles is between 1 and 100 nanometers. Particles of solute pass through filters but not membranes
Colloid
The rapid oxidation or burning that produces heat and light
Combustion
A substance consisting of two or more atoms combined chemically in definite proportions by mass
Compound
A lipid whose hydrolytic products are fatty acids, an alcohol, and other substances
Compound Lipid
A solution containing a relatively large amount of solute
Concentrated Solution
The ratio of the mass or volume of a solute to the mass or volume of the solution or solvent
Concentration
A change of state of matter from a gas to a liquid
Condensation
A chemical bond in which a paid of electrons is shared between two atoms
Covalent Bond
Cu
Copper
Same as a millilieter
Cubic Centimeter
The process by which a substance is given a definite form
Crystallization
The removal of an amino (-NH2) group from a compound
Deamination
The removal of a carboxyl (-COOH) group from a compound
Decarboxylation
The gradual decomposition of dead or organic matter by the enzymes of aerobic bacteria
Decay
The prefix for 1/10th
Deci
The same as one tenth of a meter
Decimeter
The prefix for ten
Deka
The removal of water from a substance
Dehydration (Desiccation)
The disruption and breakdown of the secondary structure of a protein by heat or chemicals
Denaturation
The ratio of the mass of a substance to its volume
Density
Chemicals having the capability of displacing an unpleasant odor or of altering an unpleasant odor so that it is converted to a more pleasant one
Deodorants (Historically Reodorants)
An organic compound containing two aldehyde (-CHO) radicals
Dialdehyde
An ion composed of two atoms
Diatomic Ion
The movement of molecules or other particles in solution from an area of greater concentration to an area of lesser concentration until uniform concentration is reached
Diffusion
An alcohol containing two hydroxyl groups
Dihydroxyl Alcohol
A solution containing relatively small amount of solute
Dilute Solution
A carbohydrate formed by the linking of two monosaccharide units
Disaccharide
Natural or synthetic matter that is used to impart color to another material
Dye
A subatomic particle with a negative electrical charge and a mass that is 1/1,857 that of a proton. Found outside the nucleus of an atom
Electron
A simple substance which cannot be decomposed by ordinary chemical means
Element
The study of chemical post-mortem changes, the composition of embalming fluids and the interactions between each
Embalming Chemistry
The fluids specifically designed for preservation and disinfection purposes
Embalming Fluids
The act of mixing two insoluble liquids
Emulsifications
A mixture of two insoluble liquids, one being dispersed throughout the other in small droplets
Emulsion
A chemical reaction that absorbs or requires heat from its surroundings
Endothermic Reaction
The ability of a system or material to do work
Energy
A red dye derived from the action of bromine on fluorescein. Very commonly used in arterial fluids
Eosin
A combination of chemical symbols and formulas used as a shorthand way to represent the reactants and products in a chemical change
Chemical Equation
A compound with the general formula RCOOR1 where R is a hydrocarbon group or a hydrogen, and R1 is a hydrocarbon group. It is formed from an alcohol and organic (carboxylic) acid by removal of water (dehydration)
Ester
A solvent and a disinfectant in embalming fluid. Noted for its ability to dehydrate tissue
Ethanol
Any organic compound with the general formula ROR1 where R and R1 are hydrocarbon groups, formed by dehydration between two alcohols
Ether
A chemical reaction that releases or gives off heat
Exothermic Reaction
F
Fluorine
A common name for a triaclyglycerol that is a semisolid or solid at room temperature and contains a high percentage of saturated fatty acids
Fat
Fe
Iron
The microbial (enzymatic) decomposition of carbohydrates under anaerobic conditions
Fermentation
A preservative found in embalming fluid. Also a disinfectant. Reacts with proteins, causing them to become firm and more resistant to bacteria. Inhibits autolytic emzymes. A gas at room temperature
Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde gas dissolved in water
Formalin
A combination of symbols used to express the chemical composition of a substance
Formula
A change of state of matter from a liquid to a solid
Freezing
A specific atom or group of atoms that is attached to a carbon atom in an organic compound and that imparts an identifiable chemical behavior to the compound
Functional Group
A state of matter in which the atoms or molecules move about in almost complete freedom from one another. Have no definite shape or volume and assume the shape and volume of their container
Gas
A formula that denotes a class of compounds and includes the functional group and a symbol (R) denoting a Radical
General Formulas
A simple sugar with a molecular formula of C6H12O6
Glucose
A preservative found in embalming fluid
Contains two aldehyde groups on every molecule
Dialdehyde
Combines with proteins in such a way as to make them very resistant to attack by bacteria
Inhibits the enzymes which causes autolysis
Used in several arterial and cavity fluids
A liquid at room temperature
Glutaraldehyde
A modifying agent
Thick liquid often added to embalming fluids
Its purpose is to increase the solubility of various compounds, to delay the firming action of HCHO, and to serve as a humectant
Glycerol (Glycerin)
An animal starch made by forming chains of alpha glucose molecules
Glycogen
The condition of water which results from dissolved minerals and metallic ions such as calcium and magnesium
Hardness of Water
H
Hydrogen
He
Helium
Prefix for 100
Hecto
An iron-containing protein molecule occurring in red blood cells of vertebrates
Hemoglobin
Consisting of or composed of dissimilar elements of components; not having a uniform quality throughout
Heterogeneous
A six carbon sugar molecule
Hexose
Hg
Mercury
A sample of matter with uniform composition
Homogenous
Chemicals that increase the capability of embalmed tissues to retain moisture
Humectants
A compound in which there is a chemical union between water and certain substances when they crystallize
Hydrate
An organic compound that contains only carbon and hydrogen
Hydrocarbon
A chemical reaction in which a substance is broken down or dissociated by water; a reaction between a salt and water to yield an acid and a base of unequal strengths
Hydrolysis
A univalent radical and the functional group of the basic compounds in inorganic chemistry and the alcohols in organic chemistry
Hydroxyl (The Hydroxyl Group) -OH
A solution having a greater concentration of dissolved solute than the solution to which it is compared
Hypertonic Solution
A solution having a lesser concentration of dissolved solute than the solution to which it is compared
Hypotonic Solution
I
Iodine
The swelling and softening of tissues and organs as a result of absorbing moisture from adjacent sources
Imbibition
The strength of embalming fluids indicated by the number of grams of pure formaldehyde gas dissolved in 100mL of solution.
Usually refers to a percentage
Index
The tendency of a body to resist change in motion
Inertia
That branch of chemistry that studies the properties and reactions of elements excluding organic or certain carbon-containing compounds
Inorganic Chemistry
An atomic or molecular species with a positive or negative electrical charge
Ion
The dissociation of a substance in solution into ions
Ionization
The possession by two or more distinct compounds of the same molecular formula, each molecule having the same number of atoms of each element, but in a different arrangement
Isomerism
A solution having an equal concentration of dissolved solute as the solution to which it is compared
Isotonic Solution
K
Potassium
The base SI unit of temperature equal to 1/273.15 the absolute temperature of the triple point of water
Kelvin
Any of a class of organic compounds containing the carbonyl group (c=O) whose carbon atom is joined to two other carbon atoms; the carbonyl group occurs withint the carbon chain
Ketone
A sugar whose functional groups are hydroxyl (-OH) groups and a ketone (c=O) group
Ketose
Prefix for 1,000
Kilo
1000 grams. Basic unit of mass in the metric system
Kilogram
Energy of body by virtue of its motion
Kinetic Energy
In any chemical or physical change, energy is neither created nor destroyed but merely transformed from one form to another
Law of Conservation of Energy
In any chemical or physical change, mass is neither created nor destroyed, but merely changed in form
Law of Conservation of Mass
The amount of a poison (or radiation) that will kill 50% of the group to which it has been administered
Lethal Dose 50%
Formula used to conserve space over a structural formula
Line Formula
Conversion of a solid or gas into a liquid form as a result of a physical or chemical change
Liquefication
A substance that flows readily but does not tend to expand indefinitely
Liquid
Standard unit of volume in the metric system
Liter
An inorganic salt added to embalming fluid to help preserve the acid-base balance, to keep blood from clotting, and in some instances, for hypertonic effect
Magnesium Sulfate (Epsom Salts)
The quantity of matter present in an object
Mass
Anything that occupies space and has mass
Matter
The prefix for one million
Mega
The change of state from a solid to a liquid
Melting
An element marked by luster, malleability, ductility, and conductivity of electricity and heat. Metallic elements tend to form positive ions
Metal
A chemical reaction in which an element or radical in one compound exchanges places with another element or radical in another compound
Metathesis Reaction
The standard metric unit for length
Meter
All embalming fluids will contain some of this since it is so cloasely associated with the manufacture of formalin. Some contain extra because it stabilizes formalin and is both a solvent and a germicide
Methanol
Methyl Alcohol
Wood Alcohol
Mg
Magnesium
Prefix for 1/1,000,000th
Micro
The same as one millionth of a meter
Micrometer
The prefix for 1/1000th
Milli
The same as one thousandth of a liter
Milliliter
A combination of two or more substances not chemically united and in no definite proportion by mass
Mixture
The smallest dose of a poison (or radiation) on record that produces death
Minimum Lethal Dose (MLD)
Chemicals for which there may be greatly varying demands predicated upon the type of embalming, the environment, and the arterial fluid to be used
Modifying Agents
A chemical formula expressing the number of atoms of each element present in a molecule of a substance, without indicating how they are linked
Molecular Formula
The smallest unit of a compound which can exist alone; an aggregation of atoms, specifically a chemical of two or more atoms which form a specific chemical substance
Molecule
A charged entity consisting of only a single atom
Monatomic Ion
An alcohol with only one hydroxyl ion
Monohydroxy Alcohol
N
Nitrogen
Na
Sodium
Concerned with the composition of a particular kind of matter, the forces holding its parts together, and its observable properties
Nature of Matter
A very dense, small, positively charged center of an atom that contains most of the mass of the atom in the form of protons and neutrons
Necleus
The reaction of an acid and a base to produce a salt and water
Neutralization
A neutral subatomic particle with a mass similar to that of a proton. Normally found in the nucleus of an atom
Neutron
Any element which is not a metal. Nonmetals tend to form negative ions
Nonmetal
O
Oxygen
A common name for a triacylglycerol that is a liquid at room temperature and contains a high percentage of unsaturated fatty acids
Oil
-OL
Suffix for an alcohol
That branch of chemistry that deals with certain carbon-containing compounds
Organic Chemistry
The passage of pure solvent from a solution of lesser solute concentration to one of greater solute concentration when the two solutions are separated by a semipermeable membrane which selectively prevents the passage of solute molecules, but is permeable to the solvent
Osmosis
The combination of a substance with oxygen; an increase in oxidation number; a loss of electrons
Oxidation
A number used to represent the number of electrons lost, gained, or shared in a chemical change
Oxidation Number
A compound consisting of oxygen combined with only one other element
Oxide
A method for expressing low concentrations
Parts Per Million (PPM)
A polymer of formaldehyde that exists as a solid. Almost pure formaldehyde.
Insoluble, so it cannot be used in embalming fluids
Most commonly used in the powdered preservative compositions such as hardening compounds and embalming powder
Paraformaldehyde
Pb
Lead
A five carbon sugar
Pentose
A bond formed from a dehydration reaction between the amino group on one amino acid with the carboxyl (organic acid) group on the other amino acid
Peptide Bond
The tabular arrangement of the elements in order of increasing atomic number so that the columns of elements represent the periodic recurrence of elements with similar properties
Periodic Table
Water hardness that cannot be removed by boiling. The addition of chemicals must be used. Permanent hardness is cause by the chloride and sulfate salts of calcium and magnesium
Permanent Hardness of Water
The measure of hydrogen ion concentration of a solution
pH
An aromatic alcohol and is an excellent disinfectant. Penetrates tissues very well and bleaches tissue where required such as surface discoloration
Phenol
A change in the form or state of matter without any change in chemical composition
Physical Change
Properties of a substance that are observed without a change in chemical composition, which include color, odor, taste, solubility, density, hardness, melting point, and boiling point
Physical Properties
A calcium sulfate often found in hardening compound as a filler that promotes hardening
Plaster of Paris
Any substance that imperils health or life when absorbed into the body
Poison
A group of that acts as a unit and possesses a charge
Polyatomic Ion
Those alcohols having more than one hydroxyl group
Polyhydroxyl Alcohol
A large molecule made by linking together a number of monomers, or basic chemical units
Polymer
The linking together of monomers or basic chemical units to form a polymer
Polymerization
A polymer made by linking together a number of simple sugar molecules. Staches and cellulose
Polysaccharide
The nitrate ions are converted by bacteria to nitrite ions which react with hemoglobin to form nitrous-hemoglobin giving the skin a reddish color
Potassium Nitrate
Energy that is stored
Potential Energy
A deposit of an insoluble or very slightly soluble solid substance in solution
Precipitate
Fluids whose purpose is to clear the vascular system of blood and enable the arterial solution to distribute with greater facility
Pre-Injection Fluids
Components of embalming solutions used to inactivate the active chemical groups of proteins and amino acids; to inhibit decomposition; to kill microorganisms; destroy odors and to eliminate their further formation; and to inactivate enzymes
Preservatives
The force per unit area exerted on a material
Pressure
An alcohol in which the hydroxyl (-OH) group is attached to a carbon that is attached to no more than one other carbon
Primary Alcohol
Characteristics by which substances may be identified
Properties
A biological compound that is a polymer of many amino acids
Protein
A subatomic particle normally found in the nucleus of an atom. Has a relative mass number of 1 and an electrical charge or +1
Proton
The decomposition of proteins by the action of enzymes from anaerobic bacteria
Putrefaction
Surface active agents that are usually used for disinfection of skin, oral, and nasal cavities and instruments
Quaternary Ammonium Compounds
Ra
Radium
A decrease in oxidation number; a gain of electrons; a combination of a substance with hydrogen
Reduction
Supplemental fluids may be separate fluids of ones enhancing arterial fluids by the addition of special chemicals such as humectants
Restorative Fluids
Any group of substances that result from the reaction between acids and bases other than water
Salt
The reaction between a fat and a strong base to produce glycerol and the salt of a fatty acid (soap)
Saponification
A hydrocarbon which contains only single bonds
Saturated Hydrocarbon
A solution containing all of the solute the solvent is able to hold at a certain temperature and pressure
Saturated Solution
An alcohol in which the hydroxyl (-OH) group is attached to a carbon that is attached to two other carbons
Secondary Alcohol
The injection taking place after initial, primary, or first injection
Secondary Injection
A compound whose hydrolytic products are fatty acids and alcohols
Simple Lipid
A reaction in which a single free element replaces or is substituted for one of the elements in a compounds
A + BC ——-> B + AC
Single Replacement REaction
Sn
Tin
Used to maintain the acid-base balance. Carbonates reduce graying action for formaldehyde action
Sodium Bicarbonate and Sodium Chloride
Often used as a water conditioner and for its anticoagulant action in arterial fludis
Sodium Citrate
An example of a wetting agent (surfactant) added to embalming fluids to increase penetrability
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
An inorganic salt used to maintain the acid-base balance
Sodium Phosphate
An alkaline compound often found in arterial fluids to minimize graying action of HCHO yet will not deactivate it. Also inhibits blood clotting
Sodium Tetra Borate (Borax)
The condensed state of matter having a definite shape and volume
Solid
`The conversion of a liquid or a gas into a solid form
Solidification
The measure of how well two substances mix
Solubility
A substance dissolved in solvent to form a solution; the component of a solution present in a lesser amount
Solute
A homogeneous mixture of one or more substances (solutes) dissolved in a sufficient quantity of solvent
Solution
The process of dissolving
Solvation
A substance which does the dissolving in a solution; the component of a solution present in a greater amount
Solvent
A polyhydric alcohol that is used as a modifying agent as well as for its humectant qualities
Sorbitol
A ratio of densities with water as the standard
Specific Gravity
A physical property of matter
Condition of the physical composition of a substance at a given temperature and pressure
State of Matter
A chemical formula showing the spatial arrangement of the atoms and the linkage of every atom
Structural Formula
A physical change of state during which a substance changes directly from a solid to a gas
Sublimation
Additional germicides added to embalming fluids
Supplementary Germicides
The material upon which an enzyme works
Substrate
The force that acts on the surface of a liquid and tends to minimize surface area
Surface Tension
Chemicals that will reduce the molecular cohesion of a liquid and thereby enable it to flow through smaller apertures
Surfactants
Surface Tension Reducers
Wetting Agents
Penetrating Agents
A mixture of a solute and a solvent in which the size of the solute particle is greater than 100 nanometers. Particles of solute do not pass through filters or membranes
Suspension
Abbreviation for an element
Symbol
Means by which heat and cold are expressed. Means to measure how hot or cold a substance is
Temperature Scale
Temporary hardness can be removed by boiling and is due to the presence of the bicarbonate salts of calcium and magnesium
Temporary Hardness of Water
An alcohol in which the hydroxyl (-OH) group is attached to a carbon that is in turn attached to three other carbones
Tertiary Alcohol
The study of those physical and chemical changes in the human body that are cause by the process of death
Thanatochemistry
A chemical compound similar to an alcohol, in which the oxygen of the hydroxyl group is replaced by a sulfur atom (-SH)
Thioalcohol (Mercaptan)
A poisonous substance produced by higher plants, animals, or pathogenic bacteria that is toxic to humans
Toxin
Type of lipid that is formed by the reaction of three fatty acid molecules and glycerol.
Triacylglycerol
Triglycerides
Neutral Fats
An alcohol having three hydroxyl groups (Eg Glycerol)
Trihydroxy Alcohol
Homogenous mixture of two or more substances able to pass through semi-permeable membrane. The size of the true solute particles is less than one nanometer
True Solution
An expression of the fixed ratio between carbon and hydrogen in hydrocarbons
Type Formula
An organic compound containing only carbon and hydrogen that has one or more double or more triple bonds between two carbon atoms
Unsaturated Hydrocarbon
A solution containing less of the solute than can be held in solution by the solvent
Unsaturated Solution
The neutralization product of formaldehyde by ammonia
Urotropin (Methenamine)
C6H12N4
A gas, especially the gaseous form of a substance that at ordinary temperature is a liquid or solid
Vapor
The physical change from a liquid into a gas
Vaporization
Liquids that serve as solvents for the numerous ingredients incorporated into embalming fluids
Vehicles
The resistance that a liquid exhibits to the flow of one layer over another arising from the molecular attraction between the molecules of a liquid
Viscosity
Having the quality of being easily converted at a relatively low temperature from the liquid to the gaseous state
Volatile
A type of lipid formed from the combination of unsaturated and/or saturated fatty acids and high molecular weight alcohols (not glycerol)
Wax
The measure of the gravitational pull on an object
Weight
Zn
Zinc
A protein that acts as a biological catalyst
Enzyme
