dimerize, v.
(ˈdaɪməraɪz)
[f. dimeric a. + -ize.]
a. trans. To render dimeric; to form a dimer of. b. intr. To undergo dimerization; to be converted into a dimer. Hence dimeriˈzation, the process by which two identical molecules join to form a single molecule; the action of forming a dimer; ˈdimerized, ˈdimerizing ppl. adjs.
| a 1855 C. B. Mansfield Theory of Salts (1865) iii. ii. 247 It does not at all follow..that therefore two molecules of the same body, when formed side by side, shall become polymerized or dimerized into a compound of double equivalent weight. 1931 Chem. Abstr. XXV. 5139 (title) Dimerization of isoprene. 1938 H. Gilman Org. Chem. I. iv. 442 Two types of addition of alkali metals take place. One is a simple 1, 2-addition..and the other has been termed a dimerizing addition... The dimerized addition products show the general reactions of Grignard reagents. 1938 Jrnl. Chem. Soc. 288 In the formation of a methylene-dicyclane by dimerisation of an open-chain diene the first step is..the production of an open-chain dimeric structure. 1952 Chem. Rev. L. 485 Fluoranthene dimerizes by a free-radical mechanism. 1959 Cram & Hammond Org. Chem. xv. 352 Olefins which are heavily substituted with halogen and other electron-attracting substituents dimerize to form cyclobutanes at high temperatures. 1964 J. W. Linnett Electronic Struct. Molecules iii. 45 Why does NO not dimerize to N2O2 since it has an odd number of electrons? 1965 New Scientist 30 Dec. 921/2 The thioketones..tend to dimerise spontaneously—that is, to form new compounds out of molecular pairs. 1970 Nature 28 Nov. 805/2 The bifunctional protein of the double mutant retains the ability to dimerize. |