aniline

[ an-l-in, -ahyn ]

noun

1. Also called aniline oil,. Chemistry. a colorless, oily, slightly water-soluble liquid, C 6 H 5 NH 2 , usually derived from nitrobenzene by reduction: used chiefly in the synthesis of dyes and drugs.

adjective

1. pertaining to or derived from aniline:

   aniline colors.

aniline

/ -ˌliːn; ˈænɪlɪn /

noun

1. a colourless oily pungent poisonous liquid used in the manufacture of dyes, plastics, pharmaceuticals, and explosives. Formula: C 6 H 5 NH 2 Also calledphenylamine

aniline

/ ăn′ə-lĭn /

1. A colorless, oily, poisonous compound used in the manufacture of rubber, dyes, resins, pharmaceuticals, and varnishes. Aniline is an amine of benzene. Chemical formula: C 6 H 7 N.

Word History and Origins

Origin of aniline¹

First recorded in 1840–50; anil + -ine ²

Example Sentences

Conventional methods to produce o-bromobenzenethiols involve addition of bromine to aniline, then using diazonium intermediates for addition of sulfur.

From Science Daily

Leon would dissolve carbon to create a chemical called aniline, which created incredible synthetic colors that natural pigments couldn’t compete with.

From Seattle Times

This radical then engages a cobalt catalyst, which removes hydrogen atoms sequentially from the non-aromatic ring, thereby forming the aromatic ring of an aniline.

From Nature

More discoveries soon followed: magenta, Hofmann’s violet, Lyons blue, malachite green, Bismarck brown and aniline black.

From New York Times

Socks made with aniline dyes inflamed men’s feet and gave garment workers sores and even bladder cancer.

From National Geographic