Dicyanine

/daɪˈsaɪəniːn/ noun

Definition

A class of synthetic organic dyes containing two cyano groups, typically producing blue or green colors used in textiles and photography.

Etymology

From 'dicyan-' + '-ine' (suffix for dyes and organic compounds). Dicyanines were developed in late 1800s as chemists learned to synthesize complex carbon-based pigments.

Kelly Says

Dicyanines were revolutionary because they could be precisely engineered to absorb specific wavelengths of light—making them perfect for early color photography!

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