cyanoacetic acid

cyanoacetic acid

[¦sī·ə·nō·ə′sēd·ik ′as·əd] (organic chemistry) NCCH2COOH Hygroscopic crystals with a melting point of 66°C; decomposes at 160°C; soluble in ether, water, and alcohol; used in the synthesis of intermediates and in the commercial preparation of barbital. Also known as malonic mononitrile.