How Do You Spell PENTACHLOROPHENOL?

Pronunciation: [pˈɛntɐklˌɔːɹə͡ʊfənˌɒl] (IPA)

The chemical compound Pentachlorophenol, commonly used as a wood preservative, has a complex spelling that can be understood through IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable, "pen", is pronounced with the short vowel sound /ɛ/ as in "pen". The following syllables "ta" and "chlo" contain the hard /t/ and /kl/ consonant sounds, respectively. The final syllables "ro", "phe" and "nol" all contain a neutral vowel sound /ə/ and are pronounced with a stress on the second-to-last syllable. Phonetically, the word is transcribed as /ˌpɛntəklɔroʊˈfiːnɒl/.

PENTACHLOROPHENOL Meaning and Definition

1. Pentachlorophenol is a chemical compound that is primarily used as a wood preservative. Its molecular formula is C6Cl5OH, indicating that it consists of a phenol ring substituted with five chlorine atoms. It is a white crystalline solid that is highly toxic and has a strong odor.

   Pentachlorophenol is known for its exceptional efficacy in preventing the growth of various organisms, including fungi, bacteria, and insects, that can cause decay and damage to wood. Due to its effectiveness, it has been widely used in the past for treating utility poles, fences, railroad ties, and other wooden structures that are exposed to environmental conditions. However, its use has significantly declined in recent years due to environmental and health concerns.

   Exposure to pentachlorophenol can occur through inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact. It is classified as a probable human carcinogen and can cause serious health effects, including liver and kidney damage, respiratory issues, and reproductive disorders. Its persistence in the environment and potential to bioaccumulate in organisms has raised concerns about its long-term impact on ecosystems.

   Regulations governing the use and handling of pentachlorophenol vary between countries, with many implementing restrictions or bans on its use in certain applications. Alternative wood preservatives that are less toxic and more environmentally friendly have been introduced to reduce the reliance on pentachlorophenol.

Common Misspellings for PENTACHLOROPHENOL

• Pentatchlorophenol
• Pentachloruphanol

Etymology of PENTACHLOROPHENOL

The word "Pentachlorophenol" has a straightforward etymology based on its chemical composition.

1. Penta-: Derived from the Greek prefix "penta-" meaning "five", indicating that there are five atoms of a certain element or group in the compound.

2. Chloro-: Derived from the Greek word "khlōros", meaning "greenish-yellow" or "chlorine". It refers to the presence of chlorine atoms in the compound.

3. Phenol: Derived from the Greek word "phaino", meaning "to show" or "to appear". Phenol is a compound consisting of a hydroxyl group (-OH) bonded to an aromatic hydrocarbon ring.

Combining these components, "Pentachlorophenol" simply describes a molecule with five chlorine atoms attached to a phenol ring.

Plural form of PENTACHLOROPHENOL is PENTACHLOROPHENOLS