nitrile
|ni-trile|
/ˈnaɪtraɪl/
carbon–nitrogen triple bond (C≡N)
Etymology
'nitrile' originates from German (also attested in French), specifically the German word 'Nitril' (French 'nitrile'), where the element 'nitro-' was used for nitrogen-containing substances and the suffix '-il'/'-ile' is a chemical nominal ending.
'nitrile' changed from German 'Nitril' (and French 'nitrile') and was adopted into English in the late 19th century to name the class of compounds and the functional group.
Initially the stem referred more broadly to nitrogen-related chemical terms derived from 'nitro-/nitre'; over time it came to specifically denote the carbon–nitrogen triple-bond functional group and compounds containing it.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a functional group in organic chemistry consisting of a carbon triple-bonded to a nitrogen (−C≡N).
The nitrile group consists of a carbon atom triple-bonded to a nitrogen atom.
Synonyms
Noun 2
an organic compound that contains a nitrile functional group; for example, acetonitrile is a simple nitrile often used as a solvent.
Acetonitrile is a common nitrile solvent used in many laboratory procedures.
Synonyms
Adjective 1
relating to or containing a nitrile group; made of or using nitrile material (e.g., nitrile gloves).
Nitrile gloves provide good chemical resistance for laboratory work.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/09/08 17:55