Definition

1. Noun:
   • A type of organic compound: A nitril is any of a class of organic compounds characterized by the presence of the cyano functional group (-C≡N).

Usage

• The term "nitril" is a technical, scientific term used primarily in chemistry. It refers to compounds also commonly known as nitriles. The defining structural feature is the -CN group, where a carbon atom is triple-bonded to a nitrogen atom.

Examples

• Noun:
  • Acetonitrile is a simple nitril often used as a solvent in laboratories.
  • The chemist synthesized a new nitril with potential pharmaceutical applications.

Advanced Usage

• In polymer chemistry: Some nitrils are important monomers. For example, acrylonitrile is a nitril used to make synthetic fibers and plastics.
  • Polyacrylonitrile is a polymer derived from the nitril acrylonitrile.

Variants and Related Words

• Nitrile (n): This is the more common modern spelling and synonym for "nitril."
  • Nitrile rubber is a synthetic rubber copolymer derived from acrylonitrile and butadiene.

Synonyms

• Cyanide (in a specific, non-ionic context): In organic chemistry, the "-CN" group in a nitril is sometimes referred to as a cyano group. However, "cyanide" more commonly refers to the poisonous ionic compound (CN⁻) and should be used with caution.
  • The compound contains a cyano (or nitrile) group.

Notes on Meaning

• The core meaning is strictly chemical. "Nitril" does not have everyday, idiomatic, or phrasal verb uses. Its usage is confined to scientific and industrial contexts describing specific organic molecules.

Noun

1. any of a class of organic compounds containing the cyano radical -CN