1. Organic compounds formed by the reaction of an aldehyde with an alcohol, containing two alkoxy groups bonded to the same carbon atom.
Usage: chemistry; plural of acetal

Examples

• Acetals are commonly used as protecting groups in organic synthesis.
• The chemist prepared several acetals to shield the carbonyl group during the reaction.
• Acetals are stable under basic conditions but can be hydrolyzed in acidic environments.
• Many acetals are used in the pharmaceutical industry as intermediates.
• The formation of acetals from aldehydes and alcohols is a reversible reaction.