acrolein

[ uh-kroh-lee-in ]

noun

, Chemistry.

1. a yellow, flammable liquid, C 3 H 4 O, having a stifling odor, usually obtained by the decomposition of glycerol: used chiefly in the synthesis of commercial and pharmaceutical products.

acrolein

/ əˈkrəʊlɪɪn /

noun

1. a colourless or yellowish flammable poisonous pungent liquid used in the manufacture of resins and pharmaceuticals. Formula: CH 2 :CHCHO

Word History and Origins

Origin of acrolein¹

1855–60; < Latin ācr- (stem of ācer ) sharp + olē ( re ) to smell + -in ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of acrolein¹

C19: from Latin ācer sharp + olēre to smell + -in

Example Sentences

Acrolein is a clear colourless liquid, lighter than water, boiling at about 125 F.

From Project Gutenberg

During the oxidation of the fats, the glycerine in them is converted to acrolein or acryl-aldehyde, which also aids the tanning.

From Project Gutenberg

Acrolein, a light volatile limpid liquid obtained by the destructive distillation of fats.

From Project Gutenberg