Meerwein-Ponndorf reaction

noun

Meer·​wein-Ponn·​dorf reaction

¦me(ə)rˌvīnˈpänˌdȯrf-

: the reduction of an aldehyde or ketone to the corresponding alcohol by reaction with boiling isopropyl alcohol in the presence of aluminum isopropoxide compare oppenauer oxidation

Word History

Etymology

after Hans Meerwein and Wolfgang Ponndorf, 20th century German chemists

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

• More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
• Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
• Advanced search features
• Ad free!