How Do You Spell XYLENOL?

Pronunciation: [zˈa͡ɪlənˌɒl] (IPA)

Xylenol is a chemical compound commonly used as an antiseptic and disinfectant. The word is spelled with the letter "x" which is pronounced "ks" in English, followed by "y" pronounced "ai", "l" pronounced "l", "e" pronounced "ɛ", "n" pronounced "n", "o" pronounced "o" and "l" pronounced "l" again. The IPA phonetic transcription of Xylenol would be /ksaɪlɛnɒl/. Understanding the IPA helps people pronounce words they might not be familiar with, like Xylenol.

XYLENOL Meaning and Definition

1. Xylenol is a chemical compound that falls under the category of phenols, which are organic compounds that contain a hydroxyl group (-OH) attached to an aromatic ring. Specifically, xylenol refers to any of the isomeric forms of dimethylphenol, where two methyl (-CH3) groups are substituents on the phenol molecule.

   Xylenol is commonly encountered in the form of three isomers: ortho-xylenol (o-xylenol), meta-xylenol (m-xylenol), and para-xylenol (p-xylenol). The names of these isomers are derived from the position of the methyl groups on the phenol ring. Each isomer has distinct physical and chemical properties.

   Xylenol is widely used as an intermediate in the production of numerous chemicals. It serves as a precursor in the synthesis of antioxidants, dyes, and pharmaceuticals. Additionally, xylenol has valuable applications in the manufacturing of resins, adhesives, and flame retardants due to its ability to improve the physical and fire-resistant properties of these products.

   In terms of its properties, xylenol is a colorless or pale yellow liquid with a characteristic odor. It has a relatively high boiling point and is sparingly soluble in water but easily soluble in organic solvents such as ethanol and benzene.

   Due to its versatility and importance in various industries, xylenol has gained significant relevance in the field of chemistry and material science. Researchers continue to explore its distinct properties and potential applications, ensuring its continued prominence as a valuable chemical compound.

2. A substance, C8H10O, occurring in three isomeric forms (meta-, ortho-, and para-xylenol). The salicylates, meta-, ortho-, and para-xylenol-salol, are used as internal antiseptics in rheumatism and diarrhea in doses of gr. 2-5 (0.13-0.3).

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for XYLENOL

• xylenoil

Etymology of XYLENOL

The word "xylenol" is derived from the combination of two components: "xylen" and "ol".

1. Xylen: "Xylen" is derived from the term "xylene", which is a type of aromatic hydrocarbon compound. Xylene itself comes from the Greek word "xylon", meaning "wood", as it was initially discovered in wood tar.

2. Ol: The suffix "-ol" is used in organic chemistry to indicate the presence of an alcohol functional group (-OH). It is derived from the Latin word "oleum", meaning "oil".

Combining these two components, "xylen" (from xylene) and "ol" (from the alcohol group), we get the word "xylenol", which refers to a compound that consists of a xylene molecule with an attached alcohol functional group.

Plural form of XYLENOL is XYLENOLS