Mandelonitrile is spelled as /ˌmændəloʊˈnaɪtraɪl/. Its spelling can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) where each symbol represents a specific sound. The first syllable is pronounced as "man" (/mæn/) and is followed by "de" (/də/), then "lo" (/loʊ/), "ni" (/naɪ/) and "trile" (/traɪl/). The letter "e" is silent, and "nitrile" is pronounced as "nye-trile." Therefore, the correct spelling of this chemical compound is crucial for scientists and chemists to communicate accurately about its properties and reactions.
Mandelonitrile is a chemical compound with the molecular formula C8H7NO. It belongs to the class of organic compounds known as nitriles, which are characterized by the presence of a cyano (-CN) functional group. Mandelonitrile is a colorless liquid with a bitter almond-like odor. It has a boiling point of around 214 degrees Celsius and a melting point of approximately -28 degrees Celsius.
Mandelonitrile is primarily derived from amygdalin, a compound found in the seeds of various plants, particularly almonds and apricot kernels. It is also produced synthetically for various industrial purposes. In nature, mandelonitrile acts as a natural defense mechanism for plants, as it is toxic to many animals due to the release of hydrogen cyanide upon breakdown.
This compound is widely utilized in the pharmaceutical industry for its ability to undergo unique chemical reactions. Mandelonitrile can be used as a precursor for the synthesis of various pharmaceuticals, such as anti-cancer drugs and analgesics. Furthermore, it serves as a building block in the production of fine chemicals and flavors. In addition to its industrial applications, mandelonitrile is also used in laboratory settings for research purposes.
In conclusion, mandelonitrile is an organic compound commonly found in plants, particularly almonds and apricot kernels. It is valued for its industrial applications, primarily in the pharmaceutical and flavoring industries.
The word "mandelonitrile" has its etymology derived from two components: "mandel" and "nitrile".
1. Mandel: The term "mandel" is derived from the German word "Mandel", meaning "almond". This refers to the compound's association with almonds due to its presence in certain almond species. The German word "Mandel" itself originated from the Late Latin word "amandula", which also translates to "almond".
2. Nitrile: The term "nitrile" comes from the French word "nitrile", which was coined in the mid-19th century and is derived from "nitro-" (related to nitrogen compounds) and the suffix "-ile" (used to form names of compounds). "Nitrile" refers to a class of organic compounds characterized by the presence of a cyano group (-C≡N).