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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