heteroatom
/ˈhɛtəroʊˌætəm/
noun
- Any atom in a molecule that is not carbon or hydrogen, such as oxygen, nitrogen, or sulfur.
- In organic chemistry, a heteroatom like oxygen can change a molecule's properties.
- The drug contains a nitrogen heteroatom that helps it bind to proteins.
- Replacing a carbon with a heteroatom can make a compound more reactive.