Crotonaldehyde

/ˌkroʊtənˈældɪhaɪd/ noun

Definition

An organic chemical compound with a pungent odor, used in industrial processes and plastics manufacturing.

Etymology

Compound word: 'croton' (from the plant) + 'aldehyde' (from 'alcohol dehydrogenated'). Named because it was originally derived from croton oil through chemical processes.

Kelly Says

Crotonaldehyde smells terrible but it's incredibly useful—it's one of the key chemicals in making acrylic plastics and adhesives, so that irritating stench is actually a byproduct of making everyday materials!

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