isocyanate

[ahy-suh-sahy-uh-neyt]

noun

Chemistry.

1. a salt or ester of isocyanic acid.

2. any compound containing the univalent group −NCO.

Word History and Origins

Origin of isocyanate¹

First recorded in 1870–75; isocyan(ic acid) + -ate ²

Example Sentences

The Union Carbide chemical plant, which manufactured the highly toxic gas methyl isocyanate, was leaking.

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"The methyl isocyanate gas affected respiratory, neurological, musculoskeletal, ophthalmic, endocrine and reproductive systems, and it damaged human chromosomes."

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While much work has gone into finding replacements for the polyol component of polyurethane foams, the isocyanate component has largely remained, despite its consequences for human health.

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India suffered the world's worst industrial disaster in 1984 when methyl isocyanate gas leaked from a pesticide factory owned by American Union Carbide Corporation in the city of Bhopal, killing more than 5,000 people.

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In the early hours of December 3, 1984, methyl isocyanate gas leaked from a pesticide factory owned by American Union Carbide Corporation.

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