ScienceJuly 13, 2026
glycolaldehyde
/ˌɡlaɪkoʊˈæl.dəˌhaɪd/
Definition
A simple sugar-related organic compound consisting of two carbon atoms that acts as a fundamental building block for more complex sugars in interstellar chemistry.
Etymology
The name is a portmanteau derived from 'glycol' (referring to its alcohol-containing structure) and 'aldehyde' (denoting its functional group). It follows standard chemical nomenclature by combining the names of its parent chemical components.
In the news
In this article, glycolaldehyde is identified as a potential chemical precursor in molecular clouds, where researchers suggest it combines with other simple molecules to form larger sugars like erythrulose.
Something surprisingly sweet lurks near the Milky Way’s heart
Read the full article ↗Scientific American