*brasilein*

n. [ Cf. F. brésiline. See 2d Brazil. ] (Chem.) A substance, C16H14O5, extracted from brazilwood as a yellow crystalline powder which is white when pure. It is colored intensely red by alkalies on exposure to the air, being oxidized to C16H12O5, to which brazilwood owes its dyeing properties. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ]