The Collaborative International Dictionary
essence of mirbane
Nitrobenzene \Ni`tro*ben"zene\ (? or ?), n. [Nitro- + benzene.] (Chem.) A yellow aromatic liquid ( C6H5.NO2), produced by the action of nitric acid on benzene, and called from its odor imitation oil of bitter almonds, or essence of mirbane. It is used in perfumery, and is manufactured in large quantities in the preparation of aniline. Fornerly called also nitrobenzol.