Adipic Acid

Chambers's Encyclopaedia, Volume 1: A to Beaufort, p. 55

Adipic Acid, C_4H_5(COOH)_2, is a dibasic acid of the oxalic series, having the general formula C_nH_{2n-2}O_4; and is obtained in the form of white, opaque, hemispherical nodules (which are probably aggregations of small crystals), by the oxidising action of nitric acid on oleic acid, suet, spermaceti, and other fatty bodies. It derives its name from the Latin adeps, fat.

Source scan(s): p. 0068