Derivative (chemistry)

In chemistry, a derivative is a compound that is derived from a similar compound by a chemical reaction, or that can be imagined to arise from another compound, if one atom or group of atoms is replaced with another atom or group of atoms.{{cite web |access-date = 2007-09-18 |archive-date = 2021-08-31 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210831142000/https://www.chemicool.com/definition/derivative.html |url-status = live

The related term structural analogue is common in organic chemistry.

In biochemistry, the word is used for compounds that at least theoretically can be formed from the precursor compound.{{cite book |url-access = registration

Chemical derivatives may be used to facilitate analysis. For example, melting point (MP) analysis can assist in identification of many organic compounds. A crystalline derivative may be prepared, such as a semicarbazone or 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazone (derived from aldehydes or ketones), as a simple way of verifying the identity of the original compound, assuming that a table of derivative MP values is available.{{cite book

In analytical chemistry, derivatization can be used to convert analytes into other species for improving detection. For example, polar groups such as N-H or O-H can be converted into less polar groups. This reaction reduces the boiling point of the molecule, allowing non-volatile compounds to be analyzed by gas chromatography.