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Glite Dictionary
phenylenediamine

phenylenediamine

9.9
A chemical used in hair dye and some lab tests
  • noun
  • /ˌfɛnɪlˈiːnəˌdaɪəˌmiːn/
  • Specialized
translation icon : fenilendiamina
  • Hair dyes often contain phenylenediamine as a key ingredient for color development.

Examples

  • The technician added phenylenediamine to the solution to test for the presence of certain metals.

  • Phenylenediamine is used in many hair dyes.

  • Proper handling of phenylenediamine is important due to its potential health risks.

  • The dye contains phenylenediamine as a key ingredient.

  • Para-phenylenediamine is commonly used in hair dyes to provide a deep color.

  • In the laboratory, phenylenediamine serves as a key ingredient for synthesizing various compounds.

  • Phenylenediamine is often found in industrial applications, such as in the production of certain dyes.

Synonyms

PPD
vsphenylenediamine
  • Specialized
9.9

A chemical in some hair dyes that can cause an allergic skin reaction

is the general chemical term used in dyes, lab work, and industry
paraphenylenediamine
vsphenylenediamine
  • Specialized
9.9

A chemical used in hair dyes and other products that can cause skin allergies

is broader, applying to dyes and other laboratory or industrial uses

Surface Forms

phenylenediamine singular
phenylenediamines plural

Morphology

phenylenediamine = phenylene + diamine (semi-transparent) = phenylene + diamine

The word is transparently built from chemical combining forms ('phenylene' + 'diamine'), but these are technical morphemes that an average B1 learner without chemistry knowledge will not readily interpret.

Etymology

Phenylenediamine is a chemical name made of three parts: phenyl, a ring shape found in many molecules, di-, which means 'two', and amine, a group with nitrogen, like the amino in amino acids. So, phenylenediamine is a molecule with two amine groups on a phenyl ring, which helps explain why it is used in dyes and hair color.