An organic compound with six carbon atoms containing two ketone groups, used in organic synthesis and as a fragrance ingredient.
From 'hexane-' (six-carbon chain) + 'dione' (two ketone groups, indicated by '-one' suffix). The 'di-' indicates two ketone functional groups attached to the six-carbon backbone.
2,5-hexanedione has a popcorn-like smell and was used to flavor microwave popcorn—until scientists discovered it caused a lung disease called 'popcorn lung' in factory workers who inhaled it, a perfect example of chemistry meeting public health.
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