ScienceAugust 17, 2026

monodeuterated

mon-oh-DOO-tuh-ray-ted

Definition

A chemical state where exactly one hydrogen atom in a molecule has been replaced by its heavier isotope, deuterium.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek 'monos' (single) and the name 'deuterium' (from the Greek 'deuteros', meaning second), referring to the hydrogen isotope with a mass of two.

In the news

In the study of star formation, researchers used a specific neutral molecule called para-monodeuterated ammonia to track gas motion; identifying this isotope allowed them to distinguish neutral gas from ions.

Scientists detect key process that triggers new star formation

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The Brighter Side of News

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