diphenylamine: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very RareTechnical / Scientific
Quick answer
What does “diphenylamine” mean?
An organic compound consisting of two phenyl groups attached to an amine group, used primarily as a stabilizer and antioxidant.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An organic compound consisting of two phenyl groups attached to an amine group, used primarily as a stabilizer and antioxidant.
A chemical with the formula (C₆H₅)₂NH, which is a crystalline solid at room temperature and serves various industrial functions including as a precursor to other chemicals, an indicator in analytical chemistry, and an anti-oxidant in materials like explosives and plastics.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or spelling differences. Pronunciation differs slightly (see IPA).
Connotations
Purely technical in both variants, with no cultural or connotative differences.
Frequency
Used with equal rarity and exclusively in scientific/industrial contexts in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “diphenylamine” in a Sentence
[to test/analyse/detect something] + [with/using] + diphenylamine[to add/stabilize with] + diphenylaminediphenylamine + [is/was] + [used/employed/added]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “diphenylamine” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The diphenylamine-based stabiliser was effective.
- A diphenylamine test solution was prepared.
American English
- The diphenylamine-based stabilizer was effective.
- A diphenylamine test solution was prepared.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used in general business; only in procurement or specification of industrial chemicals.
Academic
Used in chemistry textbooks, research papers, and laboratory protocols.
Everyday
Not used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Common in chemical engineering, materials science, analytical chemistry, and explosives manufacturing.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “diphenylamine”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “diphenylamine”
- Misspelling as 'diphenylamin' (missing final 'e').
- Incorrect hyphenation: 'di-phenyl-amine' is less standard than the solid compound form.
- Mispronouncing the stress pattern, e.g., stressing the first syllable instead of 'fen'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It can be hazardous; it is toxic if swallowed, causes skin irritation, and is very toxic to aquatic life. Always consult Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and use appropriate personal protective equipment.
It is a classical qualitative test used in analytical chemistry to detect the presence of nitrates and nitrites, producing a blue colouration.
Rarely in direct consumer products. Its main uses are industrial, such as in stabilising explosives, polymers, and in laboratory reagents.
Aniline (C₆H₅NH₂) has one phenyl group attached to an amine. Diphenylamine has two phenyl groups attached to the nitrogen atom of the amine, making it a secondary amine with different chemical properties.
An organic compound consisting of two phenyl groups attached to an amine group, used primarily as a stabilizer and antioxidant.
Diphenylamine is usually technical / scientific in register.
Diphenylamine: in British English it is pronounced /daɪˌfɛnɪləˈmiːn/, and in American English it is pronounced /daɪˌfɛnəlˈæmɪn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: DI (two) PHENYL (phenyl rings) AMINE (the NH₂ group). 'Two phenyls meet an amine'.
Conceptual Metaphor
Chemical entities are tools (e.g., 'diphenylamine is used as a tool for detection').
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary industrial use of diphenylamine?