noun
- Organic compounds formed by the condensation of a hydroxy acid, containing a ring structure with a carbonyl group; plural of lactone.
Usage: chemistry; technical
Examples
- Lactones are commonly found in fragrances and flavorings.
- The chemist synthesized several lactones for the pharmaceutical study.
- Gamma-lactones and delta-lactones are the most common ring sizes in nature.
- Many lactones contribute to the aroma of fruits and flowers.
- The reaction produced a mixture of different lactones as byproducts.