DIHYDROXYACETONE Meaning and
Definition
-
Dihydroxyacetone, commonly abbreviated as DHA, is a chemical compound and carbohydrate derivative that can be classified as a ketone. It is primarily known for its use as an active ingredient in self-tanning products. Dihydroxyacetone has a chemical formula of C3H6O3 and a molecular weight of 90.08 g/mol.
In its pure form, dihydroxyacetone appears as a colorless, odorless, and viscous liquid. It is highly soluble in water and other solvents, making it easy to incorporate into various cosmetic preparations. When applied to the skin, DHA reacts with the amino acids in the dead skin cells of the stratum corneum, resulting in a chemical reaction known as the Maillard reaction. This reaction causes the skin to darken, providing a temporary tanned appearance.
Due to its non-toxic nature and relatively low skin irritation potential, dihydroxyacetone has become a popular choice for sunless tanning products. These products offer a safer alternative to traditional sun exposure or tanning bed usage, which pose risks of harmful UV radiation exposure and potential skin damage.
While primarily used in the cosmetics industry, dihydroxyacetone has also found applications in the food industry as a sugar substitute and flavoring agent. Additionally, it is utilized in certain medical diagnostic tests and as a reducing agent in some chemical reactions.
Common Misspellings for DIHYDROXYACETONE
- sihydroxyacetone
- xihydroxyacetone
- cihydroxyacetone
- fihydroxyacetone
- rihydroxyacetone
- eihydroxyacetone
- duhydroxyacetone
- djhydroxyacetone
- dkhydroxyacetone
- dohydroxyacetone
- d9hydroxyacetone
- d8hydroxyacetone
- digydroxyacetone
- dibydroxyacetone
- dinydroxyacetone
- dijydroxyacetone
- diuydroxyacetone
- diyydroxyacetone
- dihtdroxyacetone
- dihgdroxyacetone
Etymology of DIHYDROXYACETONE
The word "Dihydroxyacetone" has its etymology rooted in its chemical composition.
"Dihydroxy" combines "di-" (meaning two) and "hydroxy" (derived from the Greek word "hydr-" meaning water), indicating that there are two hydroxyl groups (-OH) present in the molecule.
The term "acetone" is derived from "acet-" (from the Latin word "acetum" meaning vinegar) and "-one" (an ending commonly used for ketones). Acetone is a ketone compound with the molecular formula (CH₃)₂CO.
Therefore, "dihydroxyacetone" refers to a compound with two hydroxyl groups attached to an acetone molecule. It is a chemical substance commonly used in sunless tanning products.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
