desaturation

(dē-sach″ŭ-rā′shŏn )

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[ de- + saturation ]

1. Conversion of a saturated organic compound into an unsaturated one, as when stearic acid, C₁₈H₃₆O₂, is changed into oleic acid, C₁₈H₃₄O₂. The product has different physical and chemical properties after this transformation.
SEE: saturated hydrocarbon
2. The removal of a component from a chemical solution, e.g., a solute from a solvent.
3. The dissociation of oxygen from hemoglobin.

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