Torsional strain—Increased energy that results when molecules assume eclipsed or gauche
staggered conformations.
Tosylate—A compound containing the functional group –SO 3 C 6 H 4 CH 3 , derived from toluenesulfonic
acid.
Totally eclipsed conformation—A type of conformation in which the two largest groups are 0°
apart; the most energetically unfavorable conformation.
Trans—A molecule in which the two substituents are on opposite sides of an immovable bond.
Transesterification—The process that transforms one ester to another when an alcohol acts as a
nucleophile and displaces the alkoxy group on an ester.
Triacylglycerols—Esters of long-chain carboxylic acids (fatty acids) and glycerol (1,2,3-
propanetriol); used as a storage form of energy.
Triplet—Three peaks with an area ratio of 1:2:1 in an NMR spectrum that are centered around the
true chemical shift of a group of protons; results from splitting by two equivalent hydrogens.
Ubiquinone—A biologically active quinone that is a vital electron carrier in the electron transport
chain; also called coenzyme Q.
Ultraviolet (UV) spectroscopy—A technique that measures absorbance of ultraviolet light of
various wavelengths passing through a sample.
Upfield—Movement to the right in an NMR spectrum.
Vacuum distillation—A modified form of distillation used to separate two liquids with boiling
points over 150°C; lowers the pressure to decrease the temperature at which a liquid will boil.
Vicinal diol—A dialcohol with hydroxyl groups on adjacent carbons.
Wash—The reverse of extraction, in which a small amount of solvent is poured over the compound
of interest to dissolve and remove impurities.