Indoline is a compound word that is commonly used in the field of chemistry. Its IPA phonetic transcription is ˈɪndoʊliːn. The word is written as "indoline" with an "i" instead of "e" because it comes from the parent compound, "indole". This spelling is also important in differentiating it from other similar words like "indole" and "indolenine". Indoline is an important starting material for the synthesis of many indole-based compounds and is commonly used in research and industrial applications.
Indoline is a noun that refers to a crystalline compound formed by combining two cyclic organic compounds, benzene and pyrrole. It is classified as a heterocyclic compound due to its unique molecular structure, in which one carbon atom from the benzene ring is replaced by a nitrogen atom from the pyrrole ring.
Indoline is commonly found in various natural products, such as certain plants, and is also used in the synthesis of pharmaceutical drugs. Its distinct molecular properties make it a valuable building block for the development of numerous chemical compounds.
The compound has a pale yellow color and a crystalline structure, and it is insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents. Indoline is known for its aromatic odor, which can be described as slightly sweet and floral. Due to its aromatic properties, indoline is used in the production of fragrances and perfumes.
In terms of applications, indoline is widely used in the manufacturing of dyes, especially for coloring fabrics. It has also been utilized as a reagent and catalyst in various chemical reactions. Additionally, indoline derivatives have shown promising biological activities and are investigated for potential therapeutic applications, such as antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties.
Overall, indoline is a versatile compound with diverse applications in industries ranging from textile to pharmaceuticals, making it a significant molecule in the field of organic chemistry.
The word "indoline" has its etymology from two sources. The first part, "indo-", originates from indigo, a natural blue dye derived from certain plants, primarily the indigofera tinctoria plant. The name "indigo" itself stems from the Greek word "indikon", meaning "blue dye from India".
The second part, "-line", is derived from "aniline", which refers to an organic compound commonly used in the dye industry. "Aniline" derives from the Spanish word "anil", meaning "indigo". The word "anil" is ultimately derived from the Sanskrit word "nila", meaning "dark blue".
Combining these two elements, "indoline" was coined to describe derivatives of indigo and aniline that share a similar structure and are commonly used in the dye industry.