Ethyl bromide, also known as bromoethane, is a colorless, flammable gas commonly used as a solvent and local anesthetic. The word is spelled using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as [ˈɛθəl ˈbɹoʊmaɪd]. The first syllable is pronounced "eth" as in "ether," followed by "yl" like "ill," and "bromide" pronounced "broh-maid." The IPA system helps to accurately and consistently transcribe the pronunciation of words, ensuring that communication is clear and effective.
Ethyl bromide, also known as bromoethane, is a chemical compound with the molecular formula C2H5Br. It falls under the category of haloalkanes, which are organic compounds containing at least one halogen atom (in this case, bromine) bonded to an alkyl group (in this case, an ethyl group).
Ethyl bromide is a colorless liquid with a sweet odor. It is highly flammable and has a boiling point of around 38 degrees Celsius (100 degrees Fahrenheit). Due to its toxic and potentially harmful nature, it requires careful handling and storage.
It is primarily used as an industrial solvent for various purposes, including cleaning, degreasing, and as a precursor in the synthesis of other chemicals. Its ability to dissolve a wide range of substances makes it a versatile solvent in many industrial applications.
In addition to its use as a solvent, ethyl bromide has limited applications in the field of medicine. It was previously used as a sedative and anesthetic due to its depressant effects on the central nervous system. However, its usage in this regard has decreased significantly due to its harmful effects and the development of safer alternatives.
Ethyl bromide is also considered an ozone-depleting substance and has been phased out or restricted in many countries under international agreements such as the Montreal Protocol, aimed at protecting the Earth's ozone layer.
Hydrobromic ether, a colorless liquid, inducing anesthesia when inhaled.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "ethyl bromide" is derived from its chemical composition and naming conventions.
The term "ethyl" refers to the ethyl group, which is a two-carbon alkyl group derived from ethane. The "ethyl" prefix is derived from the German word "Aethylin", which means "ether-like" or "ethereal".
"Bromide" comes from the element bromine, which is a halogen known for its reddish-brown color and strong odor. The term "bromide" is derived from the Greek word "brômos", meaning "stench" or "stenchy".
Therefore, "ethyl bromide" is a compound composed of the ethyl group connected to a bromine atom, which is widely used as a fumigant and pesticide.