Chem. [f. XANTHO- + -GEN, alter G. xanthogensäure (Zeise, 1822).]
1. The hypothetical radical of xanthic acid. Also attrib.
1823. Henry, Elem. Chem. (ed. 9), II. 665. This new acid contains sulphur, carbon, and hydrogen, the two first of which probably form a compound base, analogous to cyanogen…. To the base, Mr. Zeise … has given the name of xanthogene … on account of the yellow colour of its compounds.
1868. Watts, Dict. Chem., V. 1052. Xanthogen-oil. Zeise’s name for an oily product formed by the dry distillation of potassic xanthate.
2. A substance supposed to be contained in flowers: see quot.
1864. Watts, Dict. Chem., II. 668. According to Filhol, nearly all flowers contain a substance which forms colourless solutions with acids, and acquires a fine yellow colour when treated with alkalis: this substance was designated by Marquart as resin of flowers, and by Hope … as xanthogen, which name is also retained by Filhol. He describes it as solid, of a light yellow colour,… soluble in water, alcohol, and ether.
