hitzempfindlich

Hitzempfindlich is a German adjective that translates to "heat-sensitive" or "sensitive to heat" in English. It describes a substance, object, or organism that is easily affected or damaged by high temperatures. This sensitivity can manifest in various ways, such as changes in physical properties, chemical reactions, or biological functions.

In chemistry, a heat-sensitive compound might decompose, polymerize, or undergo other undesirable reactions when exposed to heat, necessitating specific storage and handling conditions. For example, certain pharmaceuticals or food additives are considered heat-sensitive and must be kept cool to maintain their efficacy or quality.

In biology, heat-sensitive organisms or biological components, like enzymes, can experience denaturation or loss of function at elevated temperatures. This is a crucial factor in understanding thermal tolerance ranges for living things and in processes like pasteurization or sterilization.

Objects can also be described as heat-sensitive if their structural integrity or appearance is compromised by heat. Examples include certain plastics that melt or warp, or materials like paper that can scorch or discolor. Understanding heat sensitivity is important in fields ranging from materials science and engineering to food preservation and medicine, guiding decisions about manufacturing, storage, transportation, and application.