benzidine

[ ben-zi-deen, -din ]

noun

, Chemistry.

1. a grayish, crystalline, slightly water-soluble, basic compound, C 12 H 12 N 2 , usually derived from nitrobenzene: used chiefly in the synthesis of certain azo dyes, especially Congo red.

benzidine

/ ˈbɛnzɪˌdiːn; -dɪn /

noun

1. a grey or reddish poisonous crystalline powder that is used mainly in the manufacture of dyes, esp Congo red. Formula: NH 2 (C 6 H 4 ) 2 NH 2

benzidine

/ bĕn′zĭ-dēn′ /

1. A yellowish, white, or reddish-gray crystalline powder that is produced synthetically and is carcinogenic. It is used in making dyes, as a reagent, and in detecting blood stains. Chemical formula: C 12 H 12 N 2 .

Word History and Origins

Origin of benzidine¹

First recorded in 1875–80; benz- + -id ³ + -ine ²

Example Sentences

Thus diazotised benzidine and tolidine combine with salicylic acid to form valuable yellow azo-dyes known as “chrysamines.”

From Project Gutenberg

Benzidine (Wallis) has also been suggested for the detection of free chlorine.

From Project Gutenberg

Ellms and Hauser investigated benzidine in 1913 and found it to be inferior to o-tolidine as a test reagent for free chlorine.

From Project Gutenberg

It is impossible to attempt to specify by name any of these recent benzidine and tolidine dyes.

From Project Gutenberg