diallyl sulfide: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Technical/Very LowScientific/Technical
Quick answer
What does “diallyl sulfide” mean?
An organosulfur compound consisting of two allyl groups bonded to a sulfur atom.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An organosulfur compound consisting of two allyl groups bonded to a sulfur atom.
A volatile, colorless to pale yellow liquid with a characteristic garlic-like odor, found naturally in garlic and other Allium species, and used commercially as a flavoring agent and in organic synthesis.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling is consistent. The pronunciation of 'sulfide' may be more common in AmE, while 'sulphide' is the standard BrE spelling for the element/class; however, for this specific compound name, 'sulfide' is typically used internationally in scientific literature.
Connotations
No significant connotative differences.
Frequency
Extremely rare outside chemistry, pharmacology, and food science texts in both variants.
Grammar
How to Use “diallyl sulfide” in a Sentence
[Diallyl sulfide] is derived from [source, e.g., garlic].[Diallyl sulfide] exhibits [property, e.g., antimicrobial activity].The [structure/formula] of [diallyl sulfide] is...[Researchers] studied the effects of [diallyl sulfide].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “diallyl sulfide” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The diallyl sulfide content was measured.
- A diallyl sulfide derivative was synthesised.
American English
- The diallyl sulfide content was measured.
- A diallyl sulfide derivative was synthesized.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in contexts related to food flavoring, supplement manufacturing, or chemical supply.
Academic
Common in chemistry, biochemistry, pharmacology, and food science research papers discussing Allium chemistry or organosulfur compounds.
Everyday
Virtually never used. A layperson would say 'garlic compound' or 'something in garlic'.
Technical
Precise term in organic chemistry, natural product chemistry, and flavor chemistry.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “diallyl sulfide”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “diallyl sulfide”
- Misspelling as 'dialyl sulfide' (missing an 'l').
- Confusing it with 'diallyl disulfide' (a related but different compound).
- Using incorrect prepositions (e.g., 'in diallyl sulfide' vs. 'of diallyl sulfide').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In the small amounts naturally present in food like garlic, it is safe. Pure diallyl sulfide is an irritant and should be handled with proper safety precautions in a laboratory.
It has a pungent, characteristic garlic-like or cabbage-like odor.
Yes, but typically only from chemical supply companies for research or industrial use, not for general consumer purchase.
Allicin is an unstable, pungent compound formed immediately when garlic is crushed. Diallyl sulfide is a more stable, volatile compound also present in garlic oil and formed from the breakdown of allicin.
An organosulfur compound consisting of two allyl groups bonded to a sulfur atom.
Diallyl sulfide is usually scientific/technical in register.
Diallyl sulfide: in British English it is pronounced /daɪˈælɪl ˈsʌlfaɪd/, and in American English it is pronounced /daɪˈæləl ˈsʌlfaɪd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: DI (two) ALLYL groups attached to a SULFIDE (sulfur) core. 'Diallyl' sounds like 'dial' and 'alley' – imagine two alleyways leading to a sulfur spring.
Conceptual Metaphor
CHEMICAL COMPONENT AS ESSENCE (e.g., 'the essence of garlic's pungency').
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'diallyl sulfide' MOST commonly used?