Wurster's salt

noun

Wur·​ster's salt
ˈwər|stərz-,
ˈwu̇(r)|,
ˈvu̇r|
: any of several deeply colored semiquinones formed by partial oxidation (as with bromine) of the conjugate acid of para-phenylenediamine or its N-alkyl derivatives: such as
a
or Wurster's red or Wurster's red salt : a red product made from N,N-dimethyl-para-phenylenediamine
b
or Wurster's blue or Wurster's blue salt : a blue product made from tetramethyl-para-phenylenediamine

Word History

Etymology

after C. Wurster fl1805 German chemist

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Cite this Entry

“Wurster's salt.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Wurster%27s%20salt. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

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