anthranilic acid: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “anthranilic acid” mean?
An organic compound that is an aromatic amino acid derivative, specifically o-aminobenzoic acid.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An organic compound that is an aromatic amino acid derivative, specifically o-aminobenzoic acid.
A white to yellow crystalline powder with the formula C7H7NO2, used industrially as a precursor for dyes (e.g., azo dyes), pharmaceuticals, and perfumes, and occurring as a metabolite of tryptophan.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences; the term is identical in spelling and usage. Potential minor pronunciation differences as reflected in IPA.
Connotations
Purely technical/scientific with no regional connotative variation.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general discourse, but standard within relevant scientific fields in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “anthranilic acid” in a Sentence
Anthranilic acid is [used/employed] as a [precursor/intermediate] in [dye/pharmaceutical] synthesis.The [reaction/derivatization] of anthranilic acid yields...[Heating/Dissolving] anthranilic acid in...Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “anthranilic acid” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The anthranilic acid derivative showed promising activity.
- An anthranilic acid-based catalyst was developed.
American English
- The anthranilic acid precursor is commercially available.
- An anthranilic acid moiety is present in the molecule.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in supply chain or R&D contexts within chemical, pharmaceutical, or fragrance industries.
Academic
Core term in organic chemistry, pharmacology, and metabolic pathway papers.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Standard term in chemical synthesis, industrial manufacturing, and biochemical research.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “anthranilic acid”
Strong
Neutral
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “anthranilic acid”
- Misspelling as 'anthralinic acid' or 'anthranillic acid'.
- Incorrectly classifying it as a standard proteinogenic amino acid.
- Mispronouncing the stress pattern (stress is on the 'nil' syllable).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, anthranilic acid is not one of the essential amino acids required in the human diet. It is a metabolite and an industrial chemical precursor.
Its primary uses are as an intermediate in the manufacture of dyes, perfumes, pharmaceuticals, and other organic compounds.
Not in significant free amounts. It is a metabolic product of the breakdown of the amino acid tryptophan in the body and in some microorganisms.
It contains the consonant cluster 'nthr' and the stress falls on the third syllable ('nil'), which can be challenging for non-native speakers.
An organic compound that is an aromatic amino acid derivative, specifically o-aminobenzoic acid.
Anthranilic acid is usually technical/scientific in register.
Anthranilic acid: in British English it is pronounced /ˌænθrəˈnɪlɪk ˈæsɪd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌænθrəˈnɪlɪk ˈæsɪd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: ANThracene + ANILine + ACID = ANTHRANILIC ACID – an acid related to structures found in anthracene and aniline dyes.
Conceptual Metaphor
A BUILDING BLOCK or PRECURSOR (conceptualized as a fundamental piece used to construct more complex molecules).
Practice
Quiz
Anthranilic acid is primarily classified as: