1. straight chain - Noun
2. straight chain - Adjective
straight chain (plural straight chains)
(chemistry) A structural element of a molecule consisting of an unbranched sequence of atoms or simple groups, especially such a sequence of methylene groups in a aliphatic compound
straight-chain (not comparable)
(organic chemistry) Describing any aliphatic compound that contains a chain of carbon atoms all of which are connected to either one or two others.
straight-chain
Although this is not strictly necessary, the usage is still common in cases where there is an important difference in properties between the straight-chain and branched-chain isomers, e.g., n-hexane or 2- or 3-methylpentane. Source: Internet
Such compounds can be "straight-chain", branched-chain or cyclic. Source: Internet
Steroids such as cholesterol are another major class of lipids. citation Carbohydrates Glucose can exist in both a straight-chain and ring form. Source: Internet
This usage of "d-" and "l-" is no longer followed in carbohydrate chemistry. citation Ring-straight chain isomerism Glucose can exist in both a straight-chain and ring form. Source: Internet