Pyrogallate, spelled /paɪrəʊˈɡæleɪt/, is a term used in chemistry to refer to a group of salts or esters of pyrogallic acid. The word "pyrogallate" is derived from the prefix "pyro-" meaning "fire" or "heat," and "gallate," which refers to the compound pyrogallol, found in the gallnut. The spelling of "Pyrogallate" follows English pronunciation rules, with a long "i" sound in the first syllable and a short "a" sound in the second syllable. The IPA transcription precisely explains the pronunciation of this complex term in a simple manner.
Pyrogallate is a chemical compound that falls under the category of polyphenols. It is derived from the pyrogallol compound, which is obtained by the heating of gallic acid. Pyrogallate is widely used in various industrial applications and scientific research.
Chemically, pyrogallate has a structure consisting of a benzene ring with three hydroxyl (-OH) groups attached to it. These hydroxyl groups make pyrogallate highly reactive and capable of forming strong complexes with several metal ions. In fact, it is used as a reagent in analytical chemistry to detect and quantify certain metals, such as iron and palladium.
Pyrogallate also possesses strong antioxidant properties due to its ability to scavenge free radicals and prevent oxidative stress. This characteristic has led to its application in the formulation of some cosmetic and personal care products.
Furthermore, pyrogallate has been studied for its potential use in photography, particularly as a developing agent for black and white photographs. Its ability to reduce silver ions to metallic silver makes it suitable for this purpose.
Given its diverse applications, pyrogallate finds relevance in various scientific disciplines, including chemistry, biochemistry, photography, and analytical research. Its versatility and reactivity make it a valuable compound with numerous industrial and scientific applications.
A salt of pyrogallic acid.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "pyrogallate" is derived from two components: "pyro-" and "gallate".
1. "Pyro-" comes from the Greek word "pyr", meaning "fire". In scientific terminology, "pyro-" is often used to indicate a substance or chemical reaction involving heat or fire.
2. "Gallate" is derived from "gall", which refers to a type of chemical compound that was historically obtained from gallnuts. The term "gall" was commonly used to describe various types of plant-based substances, such as tannins, which were extracted from gallnuts and used in dyes and inks.
When combined, "pyrogallate" suggests a chemical compound that can be formed through a reaction involving heat or fire and shares some similar properties with gallates or gall-based compounds.