Cyanobenzene

/ˌsaɪ.ə.noʊˈbɛn.ziːn/ noun

Definition

An organic chemical compound where a cyanide group is attached to a benzene ring, also known as benzonitrile.

Etymology

From cyano- + benzene (the fundamental six-carbon aromatic ring from coal tar distillation). The compound was first isolated in the 1800s during early organic chemistry research.

Kelly Says

Cyanobenzene is the simplest aromatic nitrile—it's the building block for making dyes, pharmaceuticals, and agrochemicals. Its benzene ring makes it stable and useful, while the cyanide group makes it reactive.

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