Bromal hydrate, a sedative and hypnotic medication, is pronounced as /ˈbrəʊməl haɪdreɪt/. In this spelling, the first syllable "bro" is pronounced with the schwa vowel sound /ə/. The "al" in the middle is pronounced as /æl/. The second half, "hydrate," has stressed syllables on the first and third syllables, pronounced as /haɪdreɪt/. The spelling, therefore, effectively represents the sounds of the word when pronounced. Bromal hydrate was widely used in the past but is now mostly replaced by safer alternative medicines.
Bromal hydrate is a chemical compound that belongs to the class of organic compounds known as bromohydrates. It is specifically categorized as a bromohydrate due to the presence of a bromine atom bonded to a hydroxyl group in its molecular structure. The compound is formally named 1,1,1-tribromoethan-2-ol.
Bromal hydrate is a colorless, volatile liquid with a distinct odor. It is sparingly soluble in water but easily mixes with organic solvents like ethanol and ether. It is primarily synthesized by reacting ethylene with bromine in the presence of water. This process results in the formation of bromal hydrate along with hydrogen bromide as a byproduct.
Historically, bromal hydrate has found applications as a sedative and hypnotic due to its ability to induce sleep and reduce anxiety. However, its use for medical purposes has significantly diminished over the years due to the introduction of safer and more effective alternatives. Today, bromal hydrate is mainly used in research laboratories as a reagent in organic synthesis, particularly in the preparation of various pharmaceutical intermediates.
It is important to note that the use of bromal hydrate carries potential health risks as it can cause irritation to the skin, eyes, and respiratory system. It is advisable to handle this compound with caution and employ appropriate safety measures in laboratory or industrial settings.
A white crystalline powder with pungent taste, made by mixing anhydrous bromal with water; hypnotic in doses of gr. 1-5 (0.06-0.3).
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "bromal hydrate" is derived from the combination of two words: "bromal" and "hydrate".
1. Bromal: The word "bromal" pertains to a compound that contains bromine. It originates from the element name "bromine" itself, which comes from the Greek word "brōmos" meaning "stench" or "bad odor". Bromine, a chemical element with the symbol Br and atomic number 35, characteristically possesses a disagreeable odor.
2. Hydrate: The term "hydrate" refers to a compound that has water molecules attached to its structure. It is derived from the Greek word "hudōr" meaning "water". In chemistry, hydrates consist of water molecules incorporated within the crystal lattice of a substance.
Therefore, "bromal hydrate" describes a compound that incorporates bromine and water molecules within its structure.