HEXACHLOROPHENE Meaning and
Definition
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Hexachlorophene is a chemical compound that belongs to the chlorophenol family. It is made up of six chlorine atoms bonded to a phenolic ring, resulting in a highly chlorinated organic compound. This aromatic chemical is primarily used as an antibacterial agent, disinfectant, and preservative due to its strong antimicrobial properties.
Hexachlorophene has been widely utilized in healthcare settings, particularly in surgical scrubs and hand soaps, to reduce and prevent the spread of infectious diseases. Its effectiveness stems from its ability to inhibit the growth and reproduction of a broad spectrum of bacteria, including both gram-positive and gram-negative species. By disrupting the function and integrity of bacterial cell walls, hexachlorophene helps to eradicate harmful microorganisms.
Due to its potency, hexachlorophene has also been employed in various consumer products, such as cosmetics, deodorants, toothpaste, and topical creams. However, its use in these products has diminished over the years due to concerns about its potential toxicity. When used in excessive amounts or for prolonged periods, hexachlorophene can be absorbed through the skin and may cause adverse effects on the central nervous system.
In conclusion, hexachlorophene is a chemically-chlorinated compound that is widely recognized for its potent antimicrobial properties. It has been predominantly used as an antibacterial agent, disinfectant, and preservative in healthcare settings, contributing to improved hygiene and prevention of infections. However, caution is required to prevent excessive exposure to this chemical due to potential adverse effects.
Common Misspellings for HEXACHLOROPHENE
- gexachlorophene
- bexachlorophene
- nexachlorophene
- jexachlorophene
- uexachlorophene
- yexachlorophene
- hwxachlorophene
- hsxachlorophene
- hdxachlorophene
- hrxachlorophene
- h4xachlorophene
- h3xachlorophene
- hezachlorophene
- hecachlorophene
- hedachlorophene
- hesachlorophene
- hexzchlorophene
- hexschlorophene
- hexwchlorophene
Etymology of HEXACHLOROPHENE
The word "hexachlorophene" is derived from its chemical composition and structure.
The prefix "hexa-" indicates that there are six chlorine (Cl) atoms in the compound.
The term "chloro-" refers to the presence of chlorine in the compound.
The suffix "-phene" comes from the chemical class "phenols", which are organic compounds characterized by an aromatic ring bonded to a hydroxyl group (OH-).
Combining these elements, "hexachlorophene" refers to a compound with six chlorine atoms attached to a phenol structure.
Similar spelling word for HEXACHLOROPHENE
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