Arcein is a word that refers to a yellowish-brown dye extracted from certain tropical plants. Its pronunciation is /ɑːsɪn/, where the initial syllable is pronounced as "ar" in "car", the second syllable is pronounced as "s" in "sun", and the third syllable is pronounced as "in" in "thin". The spelling of the word "arcein" follows the standard English spelling rules, where "c" usually represents the "s" sound followed by "ei" representing the "ay" sound.
Arcein is a chemical compound that belongs to the group of natural dyes known as anthraquinones. It is a brownish-red pigment derived from the roots of various plants, including certain species of the madder plant. Arcein has been historically used as a natural dye for textiles, particularly in the production of red or pink colors.
In terms of its chemical structure, arcein consists of three benzene rings that are interconnected by carbon-carbon double bonds, along with several side chains. This arrangement gives arcein its distinctive red hue. It is insoluble in water but can dissolve in various organic solvents such as alcohol or ether.
Arcein has been employed for centuries in the textile industry due to its excellent colorfast properties. It has a strong affinity for wool and silk fibers, resulting in vibrant and long-lasting colors. The dyeing process involves treating the fabric with arcein, typically in the presence of a mordant or a fixative, which helps bind the dye to the fabric.
Although synthetic dyes have largely replaced arcein in many modern industrial applications, the use of natural dyes like arcein has experienced a resurgence in recent years due to increased environmental awareness and demand for sustainable practices. Arcein continues to be valued for its rich, warm tones and its connection to traditional dyeing techniques.
Arecoline hydrobromide.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.