heteroatom Definition
an atom in a molecule that is not carbon or hydrogen.
Using heteroatom: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "heteroatom" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
Oxygen and nitrogen are common heteroatoms in organic molecules.
Example
The presence of a heteroatom can significantly affect the properties of a molecule.
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Summary: heteroatom in Brief
A 'heteroatom' [het-er-uh-at-uh m] is an atom in a molecule that is not carbon or hydrogen. Oxygen and nitrogen are common examples of heteroatoms in organic molecules, and their presence can significantly affect the properties of a molecule.