Xanthine

A yellow, crystalline material that is used as a fungicide. It is the central structure of the fluorescein, eosin and rhodamine dyes.

Synonyms:tricyclic diphenylenemethane oxide, tricyclic dibenzopyran

Composition:CH2(C6H4)2O

Melting point (C):100.5

Boiling Point (C):315

Analysis: Soluble in ether and slightly soluble in ethanol or water.


Taken from MFA Boston Art Materials Encyclopedia Online

Xan"thine (?), n. Also Xan"thin . [Gr. xanqo`s yellow.] (Physiol. Chem.)

A white microcrystalline nitrogenous compound, C₅H₄O₂N₄, present in muscle tissue, in the liver, spleen, pancreas, and other organs, and also in urine (in small quantities) and some urinary calculi, and in the juices of certain plants; -- so called because it leaves a yellow residue when evaporated to dryness with nitric acid. Xanthine is closely related to uric acid.

 

© Webster 1913