What does quinoline mean?
Quinoline is an organic chemical compound whose structure combines a benzene ring with a nitrogen-containing pyridine ring. It is a colourless to pale-yellow solid associated with coal tar and is valued mainly as a starting material in chemical synthesis rather than as a familiar consumer product. Derivatives of quinoline occur in a wide range of medicines, dyes, and other industrial compounds, including the colourant commonly called quinoline yellow. The word belongs primarily to chemistry, pharmaceuticals, and materials science. Although its pronunciation and spelling can bring quinine to mind, the two are chemically unrelated in practical use: quinoline is a synthetic aromatic intermediate, while quinine is a naturally occurring alkaloid once widely valued as a remedy for malaria.
nounA colourless or pale-yellow aromatic organic compound consisting of fused benzene and pyridine rings. It occurs in coal tar and is used as an intermediate in the manufacture of dyes, pharmaceuticals, and other chemicals.
- A bicyclic aromatic heterocyclic compound formed by the fusion of a benzene ring and a pyridine ring, used as an industrial and pharmaceutical chemical intermediate.
"The researchers identified quinoline compounds in the plant extract and investigated their biological activity."
"The synthesis proceeded through an intermediate quinoline derivative."
"The dye factory used quinoline yellow to produce a bright golden colour."
Usually plural when referring to multiple distinct quinoline compounds or their isomers.
"Several quinolines were tested as potential catalysts."
Quinoline is the skeleton behind a surprising range of familiar dyes and medicines.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does quinoline come from?
The name quinoline combines the name quinine with the chemical suffix -ole, reflecting the historical association between the compound and substances obtained from cinchona bark. It entered English scientific usage in the nineteenth century as the developing organic chemistry of heterocyclic compounds expanded. Quinine, quinol, quinolinic acid, and quinaldine share this quin- element in their chemical names, although they are distinct substances or derivatives.
How quinoline is actually used
Usually used in scientific, technical, or industrial contexts. In discussions of its chemistry, the name is often modified to describe a substituted or related compound, such as a quinoline derivative or a quinolinate salt.
Easily confused with quinoline
Quinoline is an aromatic organic compound used in chemical synthesis, whereas quinine is a bitter alkaloid found in cinchona bark and used medicinally.