crotonic acid

American

[kroh-ton-ik, -toh-nik] / kroʊˈtɒn ɪk, -ˈtoʊ nɪk /

noun

Chemistry.

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

crotonic acid British

/ krəʊˈtɒnɪk /

noun

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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of crotonic acid

First recorded in 1830–40; croton + -ic

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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.

From 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.

From 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.

From Project Gutenberg

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