Acetanilide, pronounced /əˌsiːtəʊˈnaɪlaɪd/, is a chemical compound commonly used as an analgesic and antipyretic medication. The spelling of the word "acetanilide" can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The first syllable, "ace", is pronounced as /əs/, while the second syllable, "ta", is pronounced as /tə/. The third syllable, "ni", is pronounced as /naɪ/, and the fourth and final syllable, "lide", is pronounced as /laɪd/. The word "acetanilide" is spelled with one "n" and two "i's".
Acetanilide, also known as N-phenylacetamide or acetanil, is an organic compound primarily classified as an amide. It is represented by the chemical formula C8H9NO and has a molecular weight of 135.17 grams per mole. Acetanilide is a solid, white crystalline substance, which is odorless and typically exists as small, shiny crystals or powder.
Acetanilide was first synthesized in the late 19th century and has since found numerous applications in various industries. It is primarily utilized in the synthesis of pharmaceutical drugs, specifically as a precursor for the production of analgesics, particularly paracetamol (acetaminophen) and phenacetin. Additionally, acetanilide has been employed as a rubber accelerator, as an intermediate in the production of dyes, and as a stabilizer for hydrogen peroxide.
From a chemical perspective, acetanilide is classified as a weak base but does not exhibit basic properties in the presence of water due to the strong intermolecular hydrogen bonding between the amide functional group and water molecules. It is sparingly soluble in water but moderately soluble in alcohol, benzene, and ether. One of the notable characteristics of acetanilide is its relatively low melting point, which facilitates its use in various chemical reactions and pharmaceutical formulations.
However, despite its wide-ranging applications, acetanilide should be handled with care as it poses certain health hazards. It is known to be toxic when ingested or inhaled and can cause irritation to the skin and eyes. Consequently, adequate safety precautions should be taken when working with or around acetanilide to minimize the risk of exposure and potential adverse effects.
The word "acetanilide" is derived from the combination of two components: "acet-" and "anilide".
1. "Acet-" is derived from "acetyl", which comes from the Latin word "acetum", meaning "vinegar". Acetyl refers to the acetic acid group, which is commonly found in chemical compounds.
2. "Anilide" is derived from "aniline", which comes from the French word "anil", meaning "indigo". Aniline is an organic compound that was originally derived from indigo dye.
Therefore, "acetanilide" can be understood as a compound composed of an acetyl group and an aniline group.