crotonic acid

[ kroh-ton-ik, -toh-nik ]

noun

, Chemistry.

1. a colorless, crystalline, water-soluble solid, C 4 H 6 O 2 , used chiefly in organic synthesis.

crotonic acid

/ krəʊˈtɒnɪk /

noun

1. a colourless crystalline insoluble unsaturated carboxylic acid produced by oxidation of crotonaldehyde and used in organic synthesis; trans- 2-butenoic acid. Formula: CH 3 CH:CHCOOH

Word History and Origins

Origin of crotonic acid¹

First recorded in 1830–40; croton + -ic

Example Sentences

It boils at 171.9� C., with partial conversion into crotonic acid; the transformation is complete when the acid is heated to 170-180� C. in a sealed tube.

From Project Gutenberg

Crō′tonate, a salt formed by the union of crotonic acid with a base; Crō′ton-oil, a powerful purgative oil, expressed from the seeds of the Croton tiglium, also used externally.—Croton′ic acid, an acid obtained from croton-oil.

From Project Gutenberg

Among the cases of isomerism which it is at least difficult to explain by the aid of the prevailing views are those of maleic and fumaric acids; citraconic and mesaconic acids; certain halogen derivatives of crotonic acid and of cinnamic acid; and coumaric and coumarinic acids.

From Project Gutenberg