Quinochloral is a word that can be challenging to spell correctly. It is pronounced /kwɪnəʊˈklɔːrəl/ and is a compound word comprising the elements quin- and chloral. The prefix quin- refers to the chemical compound quinine, while chloral denotes a colorless liquid used as a sedative or hypnotic drug in medicine. Together, quinochloral refers to a synthetic compound used to treat insomnia. Remembering the pronunciation and origin of each element is crucial to spelling and using the word correctly in writing or conversation.
Quinochloral is a chemical compound that belongs to the class of heterocyclic compounds called quinaldine derivatives. It is commonly known as 2,3,5,6-tetrachloro-1,4-benzoquinone or tetrachlorocatechol, and its molecular formula is C6H2Cl4O2.
Quinochloral has a pale yellow crystalline appearance and is highly soluble in organic solvents such as ethanol and diethyl ether. It possesses powerful oxidizing properties and is utilized as a reagent in various chemical reactions.
In the field of organic synthesis, quinochloral is particularly valued as an oxidizing agent for converting primary and secondary alcohols into aldehydes and ketones, respectively. It achieves this by accepting electrons from the alcohol molecules, leading to the formation of the corresponding carbonyl compounds.
Moreover, quinochloral finds application as a mild oxidant in organic chemistry due to its compatibility with diverse functional groups like amines, thiols, and double bonds. It allows for selective oxidation, enabling researchers to manipulate and control reactions in their desired pathways.
Notably, quinochloral's oxidizing capabilities also make it an ideal reagent for the detection of various organic compounds in analytical chemistry. It is preferred for its sensitivity and ability to produce distinctive color changes or precipitates upon reaction with specific compounds, aiding in their identification and quantification.
In conclusion, quinochloral is a versatile compound widely employed in organic synthesis and analytical chemistry due to its potent oxidizing characteristics and compatibility with different functional groups.
A compound of quinine and chloral, antipyretic in doses of gr. 2-8 (0.13-0.5).
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "quinochloral" is a chemical term coined from the combination of two root words: "quino" and "chloral". Here is the breakdown of their etymologies:
1. Quino: The term "quino" refers to quinoline, a chemical compound and a heterocyclic aromatic organic compound. It is derived from the name of the parent compound quinine, an alkaloid found in the bark of cinchona trees and used to treat malaria. The name "quinine" itself is derived from the Spanish word "quina", which means "bark" or "cortex", referring to the bark of the cinchona tree.
2. Chloral: The term "chloral" refers to chloral hydrate, a chemical compound used as a sedative and hypnotic drug.