Pronunciation: [ˈɛθɪlˌiːn dˈɪbɹəmˌa͡ɪd] (IPA) 
Ethylene dibromide is a chemical compound with the molecular formula C2H4Br2. Its spelling can be tricky due to the presence of two consonants in a row, "br". In IPA phonetic transcription, the word is spelled /ˈɛθəˌlaɪn daɪˈbroʊmaɪd/. The "th" sound at the beginning of "ethylene" is pronounced voiceless, unlike the "th" sound in "the" which is voiced. The stress falls on the second syllable of "dibromide".
Ethylene Dibromide (EDB) is a colorless, heavy, non-flammable liquid organic compound with a molecular formula of C2H4Br2. It is also known by its systematic name 1,2-dibromoethane. EDB is soluble in many organic solvents but only slightly soluble in water. It has a sweet, chloroform-like odor.
EDB has been primarily used as an industrial chemical for various purposes. It has been widely employed as a pesticide, particularly as a soil fumigant to control nematodes, fungi, and other pests that impact crops. Due to its effectiveness in pest control, EDB was widely used as a fumigant for soil sterilization in agricultural practices.
However, the use of EDB as a pesticide has been largely phased out due to its potential harmful effects on human health and the environment. It is classified as a probable human carcinogen and has been found to pose a risk to the liver, kidneys, nervous system, and reproductive organs upon repeated exposure.
EDB is highly toxic if ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin. It can cause severe irritation to the eyes, skin, and respiratory tract. Long-term exposure to EDB has been associated with adverse health effects, including developmental issues and immune system disorders.
Due to its toxic nature, the use of Ethylene Dibromide is highly regulated or banned in many countries. Strict precautions and safety measures need to be implemented when handling or storing this compound to prevent harmful exposure.
The word "ethylene dibromide" is a chemical compound that consists of two parts: "ethylene" and "dibromide".
The term "ethylene" comes from the German word "äthyl" which means "ethyl" in English. "Ethyl" originates from the Greek word "ἠθύλη" (ethulē) which refers to "sweet", as the compound has a sweet odor.
The term "dibromide" is a combination of two elements: "di-" meaning "two" in Greek, and "bromide" which is derived from the Greek word "βρῶμος" (brômos) meaning "stench". Bromide refers to a compound that contains the element bromine.
Therefore, "ethylene dibromide" essentially means a compound with a sweet odor, consisting of two bromine atoms.
