Dictionary of Chemistry [6th Ed.]

include calculations in the theory of
liquids, phase transitions, and quan-
tum mechanical systems. The name
comes from the casino at Monte
Carlo and alludes to the use of ran-
dom numbers in this technique.

montmorillonite A clay mineral
of variable composition. It is a hy-
drated aluminosilicate with a large
capacity for exchanging cations (see
ion exchange) and is the principal
constituent of bentonite and fuller’s
earth. One type of montmorillonite
readily absorbs water, and another
type swells in water to form a *gel.

mordant A substance used in cer-

tain dyeing processes. Mordants are

often inorganic oxides or salts, which

are absorbed on the fabric. The

dyestuff then forms a coloured com-

plex with the mordant, the colour

depending on the mordant used as

well as the dyestuff. See also lake.

morphineAn opiate that is the

main active constituent of opium. It

is used medically in the relief of se-

vere pain, and can be acetylated to

produce heroin. Morphine can be de-

tected by the *Marquis test.

Morse potentialThe potential en-

ergy of a diatomic molecule as a

function of the difference (r – re),

361 Morse potential

m

Glucose (an aldohexose)

aldehyde

H group

H

HO

H

H

OH

O

OH

OH

O

1

C

(^2) C
(^3) C
(^4) C
5
C
(^6) CH
2
OH
straight-chain form
Fructose (a ketohexose)
HO
H
H
O
H
OH
OH
(^2) C
(^3) C
(^4) C
5
C
(^6) CH
2
OH
(^6) CH
2 OH
(^5) C
OH
H
3 C
4 C
HO
H
H
C 2
H
OH
OH
C
1
H
O
α-glucose
below
plane
of ring
ring forms
β-glucose
(^6) CH
2 OH
(^5) C
OH
H
3 C
4 C
HO
H
H
C 2
H
OH
C
1
H
O
above
plane
of ring
OH
ketone
group
H^1 C OH
H
straight-chain form ring form
H
4 C
(^5) C
HO
OH
HOCH
2
C 3
OH
H
OH
C^2
O CH 2 OH
6 1
Monosaccharide