Kortkedjade

Kortkedjade is a Swedish term meaning “short-chained,” used primarily in chemistry and related fields to describe molecules that possess relatively short carbon backbones or backbones with a limited number of repeating units. The term is commonly applied in Swedish-language scientific literature to distinguish these compounds from long-chained or high-molecular-weight species. The exact cutoff for what counts as short-chained varies by context and discipline, with no universally fixed threshold.

In hydrocarbon chemistry, kortkedjade hydrocarbons refer to compounds with few carbon atoms, such as methane (CH4), ethane (C2H6), propane (C3H8), butane (C4H10), and pentane (C5H12). These substances typically exhibit higher volatility, lower boiling points, and lower viscosity than their longer-chain counterparts. They are commonly used as fuels (natural gas, LPG), solvents, and feedstocks in petrochemical processes. The physical properties of short-chain hydrocarbons—such as gas at room temperature for methane, ethane, and propane—reflect their smaller molecular size.

In polymer and biochemistry contexts, kortkedjade may describe oligomers or polymers with a small number of repeating units. Such short-chain polymers often differ from long-chain polymers in solubility, melting and glass transition temperatures, and mechanical properties. The term helps researchers distinguish material classes and tailor processes and applications accordingly.

Etymology: kortkedjade derives from the Swedish words for “short” (kort) and “chain” (kedja), with the usual adjectival ending. See also long-chained (långkedjade) compounds and oligomers.