The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 6 letter word GLYCOL
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The straight part
We know that "compound" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case compound = glycol.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does GLYCOL mean?
GLYCOL noun- Any aliphatic diol.
- A thick, colourless liquid, C2H4(OH)2, of a sweetish taste, produced artificially from certain ethylene compounds and used as an antifreeze; ethylene glycol.