Nitrile \Ni"trile\ (? or ?), n. [See Nitro-.] (Chem.)
Any one of a series of compounds bearing the cyanide radical
(-CN); particularly, one of those cyanides of alcohol
radicals which, by boiling with acids or alkalies, produce a
carboxyl acid, with the elimination of the nitrogen as
ammonia.
[1913 Webster]
Note: The nitriles are named with reference to the acids
produced by their decomposition, thus, hydrocyanic acid
is formic nitrile, methyl cyanide is acetonitrile
(also acetic nitrile), and ethyl cyanide is
propionitrile (from propionic acid).
[1913 Webster +PJC]
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Cyanogen \Cy*an"o*gen\ (s?-?n"?-j?n), n. [Gr. ky`anos a dark
blue substance + -gen: cf. F. cyanog[`e]ne. So called because
it produced blue dyes.] (Chem.)
A colorless, inflammable, poisonous gas, C2N2, with a
peach-blossom odor, so called from its tendency to form blue
compounds; obtained by heating ammonium oxalate, mercuric
cyanide, etc. It is obtained in combination, forming an
alkaline cyanide when nitrogen or a nitrogenous compound is
strongly ignited with carbon and soda or potash. It conducts
itself like a member of the halogen group of elements, and
shows a tendency to form complex compounds. The name is also
applied to the univalent radical, CN (the half molecule of
cyanogen proper), which was one of the first compound
radicals recognized.
[1913 Webster]
Note: Cyanogen is found in the commercial substances,
potassium cyanide, or prussiate of potash, yellow
prussiate of potash, Prussian blue, Turnbull's blue,
prussic acid, etc.
[1913 Webster]
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