Chem. [f. CARBON + -YL(E) = Gr. ὔλη substance, base.] A name for the divalent compound radical CO (known in the free state as carbon monoxide or carbonic oxide gas) considered as a constituent of urea, alloxan, creatin, etc. Also attrib., as in carbonyl series, compound, chloride, etc., and in comb., as sulphocarbonyl, CS, in which the combination is with sulphur instead of oxygen.
1869. Roscoe, Elem. Chem., XXXV. 381. Carbonyl chloride is formed when dry carbonyl and dry chlorine gases are brought together in sunlight.
1880. Libr. Univ. Knowl., VIII. 493. Carbonic oxide or carbonyle, CO.
