What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
difunctional
Example
The difunctional monomer can react with two other monomers to form a polymer. [difunctional: adjective]
Example
The difunctional group in this molecule can react with both an acid and a base. [difunctional: noun]
bifunctional
Example
The bifunctional protein can catalyze two different reactions in the cell. [bifunctional: adjective]
Example
The bifunctional catalyst can promote two different chemical reactions simultaneously. [bifunctional: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Bifunctional is more commonly used than difunctional in everyday language, as it is a more general term that can be applied to various contexts. Difunctional is a technical term that is primarily used in chemistry and materials science.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between difunctional and bifunctional?
Difunctional is a technical term that is typically used in formal or academic contexts, while bifunctional is a more general term that can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
