The name "nitrogen" was given by French chemist Jean Antoine Claude Chaptal in 1790.
Chaptal originally used the name "nitrogène" [7], which was derived from the word "nitre," referring to potassium nitrate. This was because nitre was known to contain nitrogen, establishing the connection between the substance and the name. The identification of specific nitrogen compounds also began in the eighteenth century.
Here's a more detailed look:
- Origin of the Name: Chaptal’s naming of "nitrogen" as "nitrogène" was a significant step in the formal recognition of the element.
- Why Nitre? The connection to nitre (potassium nitrate) was crucial because it was an early indication of nitrogen's existence and properties within known compounds.
- Timing: This formal naming occurred in 1790, marking a turning point in the understanding and classification of chemical elements.
In summary, while nitrogen had been recognized in compounds before, Jean Antoine Claude Chaptal is credited with giving the element its name, "nitrogen," which directly relates it to its presence in nitre.
