Decarboxylation

Pronounce as /ˌdiˌkɑːrˌbɒkˌsiːˈleɪʃən/ (US/UK + variations). Primary stress on the fourth syllable: -si- in siˈleɪ-, with secondary stress on the initial di- and -car- clusters. Start with di as in dee, then kark with a light pause before -box-; the -yl- sequence merges into -yə-, then final -tion. You’ll want to emphasize the -lay- in -eɪʃən to signal the ending. For audio, listen to technical pronunciations and match the rhythm of the stressed syllables.

Two common errors: (1) compressing the multi-syllabic sequence and rushing the -kar- and -bax- segments, which makes the word sound slurred. (2) Misplacing the primary stress, often stressing the wrong syllable or flattening -eɪʃən to -ən. Correction: segment as di- | kar- | box- | yə- | leɪ- shən, keeping a brief, deliberate pause between major clusters and clearly articulating the -leɪ- before -ʃən.

In US, you’ll hear di- KAR- bok-si- LAY- shun with a rhotic r and clear -lay-. UK often uses di- KAHR-bok-si- LAY-shuhn with non-rhotic r and a sharper, clipped -tion; AU follows similar to UK but with slightly broader vowels in -box- and a perceptible schwa in -yə- before -ʃən.

The difficulty lies in sequencing five or six syllables with rapid shifts: di- (dɪ) / kɑːr/ (car) / bok/ (bok) / si- (siː) / leɪ- (leɪ) / ʃən (ʃən). The cluster boundaries between -car- and -box- and the mid-word vowel shifts require precise tongue position and breath control, plus distinguishing the -tion ending as -ʃən or -eɪʃən depending on accent. Mastery comes from slow practice, then controlled speed while maintaining the correct syllable stress pattern.

The key is the -box- segment; ensure you do not merge the /k/ and /b/ into a quick bilabial stop. Maintain a clear /k/ then a light /b/ with no vowel intrusion. Additionally, the ending -eɪʃən should be perceived as two units: -eɪ- (long a) and -ʃən (shən). Emphasize the -lay- syllable to anchor the word’s rhythm and avoid truncating the trailing /ʃən/ sound.