metatoluidine: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Extremely low / Technical jargonTechnical / Scientific
Quick answer
What does “metatoluidine” mean?
A chemical compound derived from toluidine, specifically an isomer where the amino group is in the meta position on the benzene ring relative to the methyl group.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A chemical compound derived from toluidine, specifically an isomer where the amino group is in the meta position on the benzene ring relative to the methyl group.
In organic chemistry, metatoluidine refers to 3-methylaniline (C₇H₉N), an aromatic amine used as an intermediate in the production of dyes, pigments, and pharmaceuticals. It is one of the three structural isomers of toluidine.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in usage, spelling, or meaning between UK and US English. Both follow IUPAC nomenclature.
Connotations
None beyond its strict chemical definition.
Frequency
Equally rare and specialized in both varieties, used only in chemical research and industry contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “metatoluidine” in a Sentence
Metatoluidine is used in [PROCESS] (e.g., dye production).The [PROPERTY] of metatoluidine was analysed.Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, only in specific chemical manufacturing or specialty chemical supply contexts.
Academic
Used in organic chemistry, chemical engineering, and materials science research papers and textbooks.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
The primary domain of use. Found in chemical patents, synthesis procedures, safety data sheets, and industrial process descriptions.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “metatoluidine”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “metatoluidine”
- Mispronouncing as 'meta-too-loo-i-dine' or stressing the wrong syllable.
- Using it as a verb or adjective.
- Confusing it with ortho- or para- toluidine isomers.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, like many aromatic amines, it is likely toxic and should be handled with appropriate safety precautions according to its Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS).
They are structural isomers. The difference is the position of the amino group (-NH₂) relative to the methyl group (-CH₃) on the benzene ring: ortho (adjacent, 1,2-), meta (separated by one carbon, 1,3-), para (opposite, 1,4-).
No, it is a highly specialised technical term with no application in general conversation.
It is usually produced by the reduction of m-nitrotoluene or via specific rearrangements and substitutions in chemical synthesis pathways.
A chemical compound derived from toluidine, specifically an isomer where the amino group is in the meta position on the benzene ring relative to the methyl group.
Metatoluidine is usually technical / scientific in register.
Metatoluidine: in British English it is pronounced /ˌmɛtətɒljʊˈɪdiːn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌmɛdətɑljuˈɪdin/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'META' means 'change in position' in chemistry. METAtoluidine is the toluidine where the amino group has CHANGED to the META position on the ring.
Practice
Quiz
What is metatoluidine primarily used as?