diphenylamine

[ dahy-fen-l-uh-meen, -am-in, -feen- ]

noun

, Chemistry.

1. a colorless, crystalline, slightly water-soluble benzene derivative, C 12 H 11 N, used chiefly in the preparation of various dyes, as a stabilizer for nitrocellulose propellants, and for the detection of oxidizing agents in analytical chemistry.

diphenylamine

/ -nɪl-; -ˈæmɪn; -ˌfɛn-; daɪˌfiːnaɪləˈmiːn /

noun

1. a colourless insoluble crystalline derivative of benzene, used in the manufacture of dyes, as a stabilizer in plastics, etc. Formula: (C 6 H 5 ) 2 NH

Word History and Origins

Origin of diphenylamine¹

First recorded in 1860–65; diphenyl + amine

Example Sentences

More than 1 in 10 pear samples tested positive for diphenylamine, which is currently banned in the European Union over cancer concerns.

From Salon

The switch at the top follows a European ban on the pesticide diphenylamine that likely also affected U.S. supplies, according to EWG Senior Analyst Sonya Lunder.

From Time

In an April 28 Video, Dallas Jensen misstated the parts per million acceptable for diphenylamine on U.S. and European apples.

From Slate

Diphenylamine, or DPA, a pesticide applied to apples after they’re harvested to help prevent browning.

From Slate

Rottweil Smokeless Powder: a gelatined powder containing camphor and diphenylamine.

From Project Gutenberg