How Do You Spell CYANALCOHOL?

1. Cyanalcohol is a chemical compound that belongs to the class of organic compounds referred to as cyanohydrins. It is also known as hydroxynitrile or hydroxy cyanide. The term "cyanalcohol" is derived from its composition, combining the words "cyanide" (referring to a chemical compound that contains the cyanide group, CN) and "alcohol" (an organic compound characterized by the presence of a hydroxyl group, -OH).

   Cyanalcohol is characterized by the presence of both a cyano group (-CN) and a hydroxyl group (-OH) bonded to the same carbon atom in its chemical structure. This unique arrangement imparts distinctive chemical and physical properties to cyanalcohol.

   Cyanalcohols can be synthesized through various chemical processes, including the reaction between a cyanide source and an aldehyde or ketone compound. They are commonly used as intermediates in chemical reactions, particularly in the production of pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and fine chemicals.

   These compounds are also of interest due to their potential biological activity. Cyanalcohols have shown antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, which make them valuable in the field of medicinal chemistry.

   In summary, cyanalcohol is an organic compound that contains both a cyanide group and a hydroxyl group bonded to the same carbon atom. It is widely used as an intermediate in chemical synthesis and demonstrates potential biological activities.

2. A substitution product in which cyanogen replaces the hydrogen in alcohol.

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

Common Misspellings for CYANALCOHOL

The word "cyanalcohol" is a chemical term that is derived from the combination of two words: "cyan" and "alcohol".

The first part, "cyan", is derived from the Greek word "kuanos", meaning "dark blue" or "blue pigment". It originally referred to the blue color of cyanide compounds. Over time, the term "cyan-" has been used to refer to various compounds containing the cyanide group (-CN).

The second part, "alcohol", comes from the Arabic word "al-kuḥl", which refers to a fine powder used as an eyeliner. It was later used to refer to substances produced by the distillation of wine or fermenting fruit juices.