Phenylethylidenehydrazine is a mouthful of a word, and its spelling may seem daunting at first glance. However, a closer look reveals that it is simply a combination of several root words: phenyl-, ethyl-, idene-, and hydrazine. When pronounced, the word is broken down phonetically as /ˌfɛnəlɛθəˌlaɪdɪndahyˈdrazin/. This complex compound is often used in organic chemistry research and can be a challenge to spell correctly without breaking it down into its various components.
Phenylethylidenehydrazine is a chemical compound with the molecular formula C8H10N2. It belongs to the class of organic compounds known as hydrazines, which are characterized by the presence of a nitrogen-nitrogen double bond. Phenylethylidenehydrazine, specifically, contains a phenyl group (a six-carbon aromatic ring resembling benzene) attached to one side of the hydrazine moiety.
This compound is a colorless to pale yellow liquid with a pungent odor. It is not naturally occurring and is typically synthesized in laboratories for various applications. Phenylethylidenehydrazine is primarily employed in the field of medicinal chemistry as a starting material or intermediate for the synthesis of pharmaceuticals and other biologically active compounds. It serves as a valuable building block due to its ability to undergo various chemical reactions resulting in the modification of its structure.
Additionally, this compound has been investigated for its potential pharmacological activities, such as anticonvulsant and antifungal properties. However, further research is required to ascertain its safety, efficacy, and full range of biological effects. The handling and usage of phenylethylidenehydrazine should be conducted with caution, as it may pose hazards to human health and the environment.
The word "phenylethylidenehydrazine" is a compound word consisting of three parts: "phenyl", "ethylidene", and "hydrazine".
The origin of the first part, "phenyl", can be traced back to the Greek word "phainomai", meaning "to appear". In chemistry, "phenyl" refers to a specific chemical group or moiety consisting of a benzene ring (a hexagon of carbon atoms) with a hydrogen atom removed. This group is often found in various organic compounds.
The second part, "ethylidene", comes from the organic compound "ethylidene", which signifies the presence of an ethylidene group. The term, in turn, is derived from the word "ethyl", referring to the two-carbon alkyl group (-CH2CH3) often found in organic compounds.