A chemical compound containing copper and ammonia, historically used to dissolve cellulose in the production of rayon and other synthetic fibers.
From Latin 'cuprum' (copper) combined with 'ammonium' (the NH4+ ion). This compound was developed in the late 19th century for industrial fiber production.
The cuproammonium process was revolutionary for creating the first synthetic fiber—rayon—which saved the fashion industry millions of dollars by providing a silk alternative that didn't require raising silkworms.
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