isocyanate

[ ahy-suh-sahy-uh-neyt ]

noun

, Chemistry.

1. a salt or ester of isocyanic acid.
2. any compound containing the univalent group −NCO.

Word History and Origins

Origin of isocyanate¹

First recorded in 1870–75; isocyan(ic acid) + -ate ²

Example Sentences

The Union Carbide chemical plant, which manufactured the highly toxic gas methyl isocyanate, was leaking.

From BBC

"The methyl isocyanate gas affected respiratory, neurological, musculoskeletal, ophthalmic, endocrine and reproductive systems, and it damaged human chromosomes."

From Salon

While much work has gone into finding replacements for the polyol component of polyurethane foams, the isocyanate component has largely remained, despite its consequences for human health.

From Salon

India suffered the world's worst industrial disaster in 1984 when methyl isocyanate gas leaked from a pesticide factory owned by American Union Carbide Corporation in the city of Bhopal, killing more than 5,000 people.

From Reuters

In the early hours of December 3, 1984, methyl isocyanate gas leaked from a pesticide factory owned by American Union Carbide Corporation.

From Reuters