crotonic acid

[kroh-ton-ik, -toh-nik]

noun

Chemistry.

1. a colorless, crystalline, water-soluble solid, C 4 H 6 O 2 , used chiefly in organic synthesis.

crotonic acid

/ krəʊˈtɒnɪk /

noun

1. a colourless crystalline insoluble unsaturated carboxylic acid produced by oxidation of crotonaldehyde and used in organic synthesis; trans- 2-butenoic acid. Formula: CH 3 CH:CHCOOH

Word History and Origins

Origin of crotonic acid¹

First recorded in 1830–40; croton + -ic

Example Sentences

It boils at 171.9� C., with partial conversion into crotonic acid; the transformation is complete when the acid is heated to 170-180� C. in a sealed tube.

Read more on Project Gutenberg

Crō′tonate, a salt formed by the union of crotonic acid with a base; Crō′ton-oil, a powerful purgative oil, expressed from the seeds of the Croton tiglium, also used externally.—Croton′ic acid, an acid obtained from croton-oil.

Read more on Project Gutenberg

Among the cases of isomerism which it is at least difficult to explain by the aid of the prevailing views are those of maleic and fumaric acids; citraconic and mesaconic acids; certain halogen derivatives of crotonic acid and of cinnamic acid; and coumaric and coumarinic acids.

Read more on Project Gutenberg