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Glite Dictionary
ethylbenzene

ethylbenzene

1 9.4
A colorless, flammable liquid used to make styrene and plastics
  • noun
  • /ˌɛθəlˈbɛnziːn/
  • Specialized
: etilbenceno
  • Workers in manufacturing often handle ethylbenzene, which is known for its flammable properties.

Examples

  • In the chemical industry, ethylbenzene serves as a key precursor for numerous synthetic materials.

  • These chemicals can include potentially harmful substances such as ammonium bisulfite, ethylbenzene, hydrochloric acid, petroleum naphtha, toluene, and xylene, according to a DEP list.

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  • The chemical ethylbenzene is used mainly in the production of styrene, which is essential for making plastics.

Surface Forms

ethylbenzene singular
ethylbenzenes plural

Morphology

ethylbenzene = benzene (opaque) = ethyl + benzene

Although composed of recognisable chemical morphemes, the meaning is technical and not derivable by an average B1 learner from 'ethyl' + 'benzene'.

Etymology

Ethylbenzene combines two chemical parts: ethyl, the same part you find in ethanol and meaning a 'two-carbon part', and benzene, a 'ring' shaped molecule. So the name literally describes the molecule and explains why ethylbenzene is a colorless, flammable liquid used to make plastics.