A toxic carcinogenic compound (CH₃)₂NNO formed when dimethylamine reacts with nitrites, found in processed meats and known to cause cancer in laboratory animals.
From dimethyl (two methyl groups) + nitros (containing nitrogen oxide) + amine (nitrogen-containing). The compound is formed by nitrosation—adding a nitroso group (NO) to an amine.
Dimethylnitrosamine is why many countries banned nitrites in processed meats—studies showed it causes cancer, leading food manufacturers to switch to safer preservatives, a rare victory of chemistry protecting public health.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.