Ethyl chloride is a chemical compound with the formula C2H5Cl. The word "ethylene" in its name gives the first syllable, which is pronounced as /ˈeθəl/. The second syllable is pronounced as /ˈklɔːraɪd/ and is derived from the word "chloride." The combination of these syllables gives the pronunciation of the word "ethyl chloride" as /ˈeθəl ˈklɔːraɪd/. It is commonly used as a refrigerant, local anaesthetic, and for the synthesis of other organic compounds.
Ethyl chloride is a chemical compound with the molecular formula C2H5Cl. It is a colorless, flammable gas with a sweet, fruity odor. Ethyl chloride is primarily used as a refrigerant, but it also has a wide range of industrial and medical applications.
In medical settings, ethyl chloride is commonly used as a local anesthetic. It is applied topically, either by spraying or in the form of a liquid, to numb the skin and relieve pain during minor medical procedures. Ethyl chloride acts by temporarily numbing the nerve endings in the skin, making it an effective and relatively quick-acting anesthetic for short-duration procedures.
In addition to its medical uses, ethyl chloride is used as a solvent for various types of resins, gums, and other materials. It is also utilized as a chemical intermediate in the production of other compounds, such as tetraethyllead and trichloroethylene.
However, the use of ethyl chloride has declined in recent years due to its potential health and environmental risks. Prolonged exposure to high concentrations of ethyl chloride can cause dizziness, nausea, and headaches. Additionally, ethyl chloride is classified as a Category 2 carcinogen, meaning it has the potential to cause cancer in humans.
In conclusion, ethyl chloride is a colorless gas commonly used as a refrigerant and local anesthetic. It has various industrial and medical applications, although its use has decreased due to concerns over health and environment.
Hydrochloric ether, a colorless liquid employed as a local anesthetic, the spray causing congelation, and also by inhalation as a general anesthetic.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "ethyl chloride" comes from a combination of two elements: "ethyl" and "chloride".
The term "ethyl" refers to the organic chemical compound derived from ethane. It originates from the German word "äthyl", which was coined by German chemist Justus von Liebig in the early 19th century. He derived the term from "aether" (meaning "upper air" or "pure spirit") and the suffix "-yl" to indicate a radical derived from alcohols.
The term "chloride" refers to a compound formed by the chemical element chlorine. "Chloride" dates back to the 18th century and derives from the Greek word "khloros", meaning "greenish-yellow".
When combined, "ethyl chloride" refers to the specific chemical compound that is produced from the reaction of ethylene (C2H4) with hydrogen chloride (HCl).