CHLORMETHANE Meaning and
Definition
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Chlormethane, also known as methyl chloride or chloromethane, is a colorless and highly volatile organic compound with the chemical formula CH3Cl. It consists of a single carbon atom bonded to three hydrogen atoms and one chlorine atom. With a molar mass of 50.49 g/mol, chlormethane has a boiling point of -23.7°C (-10.7°F) and a melting point of -97.4°C (-143.3°F).
Chlormethane is primarily produced by the reaction between methane and chlorine gas in the presence of an ultraviolet light source or high temperature. It is mainly used as a solvent, refrigerant, and as a precursor in the production of numerous important chemicals such as silicones, quaternary ammonium compounds, and pharmaceuticals.
This compound is highly flammable and poses both acute and chronic health hazards upon exposure. Inhalation or skin contact with chlormethane can cause various harmful effects on human health including dizziness, headache, nausea, respiratory irritation, and in severe cases, damage to the nervous system, liver, and kidneys.
Due to its potential environmental harm, chlormethane is regulated by several international agreements such as the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer. This protocol aims to gradually phase-out the production and consumption of chlormethane and other ozone-depleting substances due to their contribution to the depletion of the Earth's stratospheric ozone layer.
Common Misspellings for CHLORMETHANE
- xhlormethane
- vhlormethane
- fhlormethane
- dhlormethane
- cglormethane
- cblormethane
- cnlormethane
- cjlormethane
- culormethane
- cylormethane
- chkormethane
- chpormethane
- choormethane
- chlirmethane
- chlkrmethane
- chllrmethane
- chlprmethane
- chl0rmethane
- chl9rmethane
Etymology of CHLORMETHANE
The word "chlormethane" is derived from the combination of two parts: "chlor-" and "methane".
1. The prefix "chlor-" comes from the element chlorine (Cl). It is derived from the Greek word "khloros", meaning greenish-yellow. Chlorine is a halogen element widely used in chemical compounds.
2. "Methane" is a hydrocarbon compound with the chemical formula CH4. It is the simplest alkane and a flammable gas. The word "methane" originates from the Greek word "methy", meaning wine or alcoholic drink, as it was first isolated from distilled wood alcohol.
When these two parts are combined, "chlor-" indicating chlorine and "methane" referring to the hydrocarbon compound, we get "chlormethane". It is also commonly known as methyl chloride or R-40, and it is a colorless gas used in various industrial applications.
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