ISONITRILE Meaning and
Definition
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Isonitriles, also known as isocyanides, are a class of organic compounds that contain the functional group –N≡C. Structurally, isonitriles are characterized by having a carbon atom bonded to a nitrogen atom with a triple bond between them. This functional group gives isonitriles their unique properties and reactivity.
Isonitriles are highly volatile and usually have a pungent odor, which is often described as being similar to that of bitter almonds or roasted nuts. They are primarily used in organic synthesis and as reagents in various chemical reactions. Isonitriles are known for being versatile building blocks, allowing the introduction of various functional groups into a molecule.
Due to their reactivity, isonitriles can undergo a variety of chemical transformations, such as addition reactions, nucleophilic attacks, and cyclizations. These reactions are exploited in the synthesis of a wide range of compounds, including pharmaceuticals, dyes, pesticides, and plastics.
In addition to their synthetic uses, isonitriles also find applications in coordination chemistry and catalysis. They can serve as ligands, coordinating to metal ions and forming stable complexes. Furthermore, some isonitriles exhibit catalytic properties, facilitating certain reactions by participating in the reaction mechanism.
It is worth noting that isonitriles should be handled with caution due to their toxic nature. Prolonged exposure to isonitriles can cause irritation to the skin, eyes, and respiratory system. Personal protective equipment, such as gloves and eye protection, should be worn when handling these compounds.
Common Misspellings for ISONITRILE
- usonitrile
- jsonitrile
- ksonitrile
- osonitrile
- 9sonitrile
- 8sonitrile
- iaonitrile
- izonitrile
- ixonitrile
- idonitrile
- ieonitrile
- iwonitrile
- isinitrile
- isknitrile
- islnitrile
- ispnitrile
- is0nitrile
- is9nitrile
- isobitrile
- isomitrile
Etymology of ISONITRILE
The word "isonitrile" is composed of two separate parts. The prefix "iso-" means "equal" or "same". The term "nitrile" refers to a type of organic compound that contains a cyanide group (-C≡N) bonded to a carbon atom. The cyanide group consists of a carbon atom triple-bonded to a nitrogen atom.
The term "isonitrile" was coined to differentiate it from another class of compounds called isocyanides. The prefix "iso-" indicates that the isonitrile has the same molecular formula and molecular weight as an isocyanide but a different connectivity of the atoms.
The etymology of the word can be broken down as follows:
- "Iso-" derived from the Greek word "isos", meaning "equal" or "same".
