METHYL ISOCYANATE Meaning and
Definition
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Methyl isocyanate (MIC) is a colorless, poisonous, highly volatile, and flammable liquid compound with the chemical formula CH3NCO. It belongs to the isocyanate group of compounds and is produced by the reaction between methylamine and phosgene.
MIC is primarily used in the chemical industry as a reactant for the production of various pesticides, including carbamate-based insecticides like carbaryl and aldicarb. It is also utilized in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, dyes, and pigments.
MIC is infamous for its role in the Bhopal disaster of 1984, when a catastrophic chemical leak occurred at a Union Carbide pesticide plant in Bhopal, India. The release of large quantities of MIC into the atmosphere resulted in over 3,000 immediate deaths and long-term health issues for thousands more.
Due to its high toxicity and potential for severe health effects, including respiratory distress and burns, MIC requires extreme caution during handling and transportation. Exposure to MIC can occur through inhalation, skin contact, or ingestion, leading to damage to the respiratory system, eyes, and skin.
In summary, methyl isocyanate is a noxious and reactive chemical compound primarily used in the production of pesticides and other chemical products. Its toxic properties make it necessary to handle with great care to prevent harmful health effects.
Etymology of METHYL ISOCYANATE
The word "methyl isocyanate" has its etymology rooted in the chemical nomenclature.
- "Methyl": This term comes from the word "methane", which is the simplest hydrocarbon compound composed of one carbon atom (C) and four hydrogen atoms (H). "Methyl" is derived from "methane" since it refers to a compound where one hydrogen atom is substituted by another element or functional group. In this case, the substitution is done by an isocyanate group.
- "Isocyanate": The term "isocyanate" refers to a functional group in organic chemistry, represented by the -NCO group. The word is derived from the two words "iso" and "cyanate". Here, "iso" indicates that the functional group has an additional carbon atom attached to the nitrogen atom compared to a regular cyanate group (-NCO).
