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Glite Dictionary
furfuran

furfuran

9.9
A colorless poisonous liquid that burns easily and that people use to make nylon
  • noun
  • /ˈfɜrfjʊrən/
  • Specialized
: furfuran
  • The synthesis of nylon fibers often starts with compounds like furfuran.

Examples

  • The laboratory stored the furfuran in tightly sealed containers because of its flammability.

  • Many furfuran derivatives are essential intermediates in several chemical manufacturing processes.

  • The laboratory uses furfuran to synthesize new compounds.

  • Is furfuran safe to handle without protection?

  • Many furfuran derivatives are essential intermediates in several chemical manufacturing processes.

  • The laboratory stored the furfuran in tightly sealed containers because of its flammability.

  • The synthesis of nylon fibers often starts with compounds like furfuran.

Synonyms

furan
vsfurfuran
  • Specialized
1 9.9

A poisonous, flammable liquid used to make nylon and other chemicals

focuses on being an intermediate in synthesis, especially for nylon
furane
vsfurfuran
  • UK
9.9

A clear poisonous liquid that can catch fire and people use to make nylon and other chemicals

is described mainly as an intermediate used notably for nylon rather than many products

Surface Forms

furfuran singular
furfurans plural

Etymology

Furfuran comes from the Latin furfur, meaning 'bran', because the first chemicals of this type were made from grain waste, and from furan, the name for a small 'ring' with oxygen in it. So, furfuran is a plant-derived chemical that serves as an important building block in industry, for example in making nylon.