1. An organic compound formed by the reaction of an aldehyde with an alcohol, containing two alkoxy groups bonded to the same carbon atom.
Usage: chemistry; technical

Examples

• Acetaldehyde reacts with ethanol to form acetal.
• The acetal functional group is commonly found in carbohydrates.
• Acetals are used as protecting groups in organic synthesis.
• The stability of an acetal depends on the pH of the solution.
• Hemiacetals can be further converted to acetals under acidic conditions.