Petroxolinum is a chemical compound used in medicine. It is spelled as /pɛtrɒksɒlɪnʌm/ using the International Phonetic Alphabet. The first syllable is pronounced with the short e sound, followed by the tr consonant cluster. The second and third syllables are pronounced with the short o sound and the schwa sound, respectively. The fourth syllable is pronounced with the long i sound, and the final syllable is pronounced with the schwa sound and the n sound. While the spelling of petroxolinum may seem complex, understanding phonetics can help with pronunciation.
Petroxolinum is a term derived from Latin roots to describe a substance found in various contexts, primarily associated with the field of pharmaceuticals. It is often referred to as petroxylinum as well. Petroxolinum is a chemical compound that falls under the class of substances known as nitrocelluloses. Nitrocellulose, or cellulose nitrate, is a highly flammable and explosive material produced by treating cellulose with nitric acid and sulfuric acid.
Petroxolinum is commonly used in the formulation of lacquers, varnishes, and paints due to its excellent film-forming properties. In the realm of medicine, it plays a significant role as a critical ingredient in the manufacturing of pharmaceutical capsules, where the nitrocellulose is mixed with plasticizers and other excipients. This mixture helps in the production of capsules that efficiently release the contained drug in a controlled manner upon oral administration.
Furthermore, petroxolinum finds applications in the rubber industry, where it is utilized as a binding agent and strengthening material. It adds stability and durability to rubber-based products. Additionally, it is employed in the fabrication of explosives, particularly smokeless powders used in firearms and ammunition.
Due to its highly flammable nature, petroxolinum necessitates careful handling and storage. It is crucial to store it in cool, dry environments away from potential sources of ignition. Safety precautions, adherence to regulations, and appropriate storage conditions are of utmost importance when dealing with petroxolinum to prevent accidents and undesired outcomes.
Petroxolin, petrox, petrolatum saponatum, a mixture of petrolatum, oleic acid, and other substances, employed as a vehicle in a class of preparations in the National Formulary; it is prepared in two forms, liquid and solid, p. liquidum and p. spissum.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.