PERCHLOROMETHANE Meaning and
Definition
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Perchloromethane, also known as carbon tetrachloride or CC14, is a chemical compound composed of one carbon atom bonded to four chlorine atoms. It is a colorless, heavy, non-flammable liquid with a characteristic sweet odor. Perchloromethane is primarily used as a solvent in various industrial processes, including pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and film development.
The compound's molecular structure is a tetrahedron, where the carbon atom occupies the central position, bonding with four chlorine atoms located at the four vertices. Perchloromethane is a stable compound, but it undergoes decomposition in the presence of heat or ultraviolet light, releasing chlorine gas. This decomposition process led to its restricted use as a refrigerant and foaming agent due to its ozone depletion potential.
Perchloromethane has several important physical properties. It has a high density, making it immiscible with water. It is non-polar, making it an excellent solvent for substances that are insoluble in water. Additionally, it has a relatively high boiling point, allowing it to be used in high-temperature applications.
While perchloromethane has been widely used in the past, its usage has significantly declined due to its harmful effects on human health and the environment. Prolonged exposure to perchloromethane can lead to liver and kidney damage, as well as adverse effects on the central nervous system. Furthermore, it is classified as a probable human carcinogen.
In conclusion, perchloromethane is a chlorinated hydrocarbon compound that functions as a solvent in numerous industrial applications. However, its usage has decreased due to its detrimental impact on health and the environment.
Common Misspellings for PERCHLOROMETHANE
- oerchloromethane
- lerchloromethane
- -erchloromethane
- 0erchloromethane
- pwrchloromethane
- psrchloromethane
- pdrchloromethane
- prrchloromethane
- p4rchloromethane
- p3rchloromethane
- peechloromethane
- pedchloromethane
- pefchloromethane
- petchloromethane
- pe5chloromethane
- pe4chloromethane
- perxhloromethane
- pervhloromethane
- perfhloromethane
Etymology of PERCHLOROMETHANE
The word "perchloromethane" is derived from its chemical composition and the naming conventions of organic chemistry.
The term can be broken down into two parts: "perchloro" and "methane".
- "Perchloro" is derived from "perchloro-" or "perchlor-", which comes from the term "perchloric acid". "Perchloric acid" is derived from the Latin word "perchloratus", which means "to moisten with chlorine". "Perchloric acid" refers to an acid where all the hydrogens have been replaced by chlorine atoms.
- "Methane" is a hydrocarbon, specifically the simplest alkane with the chemical formula CH4. The term "methane" comes from the Greek word "methy", which means "wine" or "drunkenness" since it was first isolated from decaying organic matter.
Similar spelling word for PERCHLOROMETHANE
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