dinitrophenol

[ dahy-nahy-truh-fee-nawl, -nol ]

noun

, Chemistry, Pharmacology.

1. any of the six isomers consisting of phenol where two hydrogen atoms are substituted by nitro groups, C 6 H 4 N 2 O 5 , used in dyes and wood preservatives, and in biochemistry to uncouple oxidative phosphorylation.

Word History and Origins

Origin of dinitrophenol¹

First recorded in 1895–1900; di- ¹ + nitrophenol

Example Sentences

This is nitrated into dinitrochlorbenzene, and is then treated with caustic soda to give dinitrophenol.

From Project Gutenberg