Acenaphthylene is a chemical compound that is commonly used in the production of dyes, plastics, and other industrial materials. It is a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon that is composed of two fused benzene rings. In this article, we will explore the definition, meaning, and associations of acenaphthylene.
Definitions
Acenaphthylene is a colorless, crystalline solid with a melting point of 91°C and a boiling point of 279°C. It is insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents such as benzene and ethanol. Its chemical formula is C12H8, and its molecular weight is 152.19 g/mol.
Origin
Acenaphthylene was first synthesized in 1882 by the German chemist Carl Gräbe. It is produced by the pyrolysis of acenaphthene, which is a derivative of naphthalene. Today, acenaphthylene is primarily produced through the catalytic hydrogenation of naphthalene.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, acenaphthylene is defined as “a crystalline hydrocarbon C12H8 that is obtained from coal tar and is used especially in the manufacture of dyes and plastics.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “a yellowish-white crystalline hydrocarbon of the formula C12H8, used in the manufacture of dyes and plastics.”
Associations
Acenaphthylene is commonly associated with the production of dyes, plastics, and other industrial materials. It is also used as a starting material for the synthesis of other organic compounds, such as acenaphthene and acenaphthoquinone. Acenaphthylene is considered to be a potential carcinogen and is regulated by government agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of acenaphthylene include 1,2-dihydroacenaphthylene, acenaphtheneethylene, and 1,2-ethylenenaphthalene.
Antonyms
There are no antonyms for acenaphthylene, as it is a chemical compound and not a word with an opposite meaning.
The same root words
Some other words that share the same root as acenaphthylene include naphthalene, anthracene, and phenanthrene. These are all polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons that are commonly used in the production of industrial materials.
Example Sentences
- The production of dyes and plastics often involves the use of acenaphthylene.
- Acenaphthylene is a potential carcinogen and is regulated by government agencies.
- The catalytic hydrogenation of naphthalene is a common method for producing acenaphthylene.