What does malonate mean?
A malonate is a compound derived from malonic acid, a dicarboxylic acid with the structure HOOC–CH₂–COOH. The term can refer broadly to its salts and esters, or more specifically to the malonate ion, in which both carboxyl groups have lost a hydrogen and carry a negative charge. Malonates are valuable in organic chemistry because their carbon–carbon framework and acidic methylene group provide opportunities for forming new bonds. Diethyl malonate, for example, is widely used as an intermediate in the synthesis of more complex molecules. In biochemistry, malonate can also refer to a competitive inhibitor of succinate dehydrogenase, where it resembles succinate sufficiently to interfere with the enzyme without serving as an effective substrate. Outside these specialized contexts, the word is uncommon and generally indicates a chemical salt, ester, or ion rather than an everyday object or concept.
nounA salt, ester, or ion derived from malonic acid. In organic chemistry, the term most often refers to the divalent malonate ion, CH₂(COO⁻)₂, or to an organic compound containing a malonate group.
- A salt or ester of malonic acid.
- The divalent malonate ion, CH₂(COO⁻)₂, derived from malonic acid.
"Diethyl malonate is commonly used as a starting material in organic synthesis."
"The sodium malonate was dissolved in water before the solution was acidified."
"Researchers used a malonate ester in a multistep synthesis."
The plural is used when referring to multiple malonate salts, esters, ions, or compounds.
"Several malonates are used as intermediates in pharmaceutical synthesis."
Malonates are important building blocks in organic chemistry, helping chemists assemble carbon–carbon bonds one step at a time.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does malonate come from?
The word comes from malonic acid, whose name is derived from the French acide malique. Malic acid was borrowed from Latin malum, meaning “apple,” because of the sourness of malic acid and its presence in apples. The adjective malonic came to characterize the acid with two carboxyl groups, while malonate names its salts, esters, and ions. The related technical form malonyl denotes the divalent organic group derived from malonic acid.
Related word forms
How malonate is actually used
This is primarily a technical chemistry term. When referring to the ion specifically, the name malonate is commonly used; names such as diethyl malonate usually identify a particular ester.
Easily confused with malonate
A malonate is a salt, ester, or ion derived from malonic acid, whereas malonic acid is the parent acid, HOOC–CH₂–COOH.