Illustrated Glossary of Organic Chemistry
Betaine:
A
molecule
having nonadjacent
cationic
and
anionic
functional groups
, and an overall neutral
formal charge
. Commonly encountered as a
reactive intermediate
in the
Wittig reaction
.
This betaine has an
oxyanion
and a
phosphonium
cation
.
Related terms:
Zwitterion
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