xanthogen Chem.
(ˈzænθədʒɛn)
[f. xantho- + -gen, after G. xanthogensäure (Zeise, 1822).]
1. The hypothetical radical of xanthic acid. Also attrib.
| 1823 Henry Elem. Chem. (ed. 9) II. 665 This new acid contains sulphur, carbon, and hydrogen, the two first of which probably form a compound base, analogous to cyanogen... To the base, Mr. Zeise..has given the name of xanthogene..on account of the yellow colour of its compounds. 1868 Watts Dict. Chem. V. 1052 Xanthogen-oil. Zeise's name for an oily product formed by the dry distillation of potassic xanthate. |
2. A substance supposed to be contained in flowers: see quot.
| 1864 Watts Dict. Chem. II. 668 According to Filhol, nearly all flowers contain a substance which forms colourless solutions with acids, and acquires a fine yellow colour when treated with alkalis: this substance was designated by Marquart as resin of flowers, and by Hope..as xanthogen, which name is also retained by Filhol. He describes it as solid, of a light yellow colour,..soluble in water, alcohol, and ether. |