TRICHLORALDEHYDE Meaning and
Definition
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Trichloraldehyde, also known as trichloroacetaldehyde or chloral, is a chemical compound with the formula CCl3CHO. It is a colorless, oily liquid that possesses a pungent and distinctive odor. Trichloraldehyde is formed by oxidizing ethanol with chlorinated compounds, and it is primarily used as an intermediate in the production of various drugs and perfumes.
In its pure form, trichloraldehyde is highly volatile and flammable. It is soluble in many organic solvents but has limited solubility in water. Trichloraldehyde is primarily known for its sedative and hypnotic properties and has a long history of use as a sleep aid. However, due to safety concerns and the availability of more effective alternatives, its medical use has decreased over time.
Trichloraldehyde has a variety of chemical reactions due to the presence of its carbonyl group and chlorine atoms. It can undergo condensation reactions with other compounds, such as phenols, to form chloral hydrate, a compound used as a sedative-hypnotic drug. Additionally, trichloraldehyde can undergo halogenation and reduction reactions, leading to the formation of other organic compounds.
Due to its potential toxic effects and environmental impact, the production and use of trichloraldehyde are regulated in many countries. It can pose health risks if inhaled, ingested, or comes into contact with the skin and eyes. Precautions should be taken when handling this compound, and it is essential to follow proper safety protocols and regulations.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for TRICHLORALDEHYDE
Etymology of TRICHLORALDEHYDE
The word "trichloraldehyde" is derived from two different sources. First, "trichlor-" is derived from the Greek words "tri-" meaning three, and "chloros" meaning greenish-yellow or green. This prefix is commonly used to indicate the presence of three chlorine atoms in a chemical compound. Second, "-aldehyde" is derived from the Latin word "al(cohol) de(hydrogenatum)" meaning dehydrated alcohol. In organic chemistry, it refers to a class of compounds containing a carbonyl group (C=O) bonded to a hydrogen atom and a carbon chain. By combining these two elements, the term "trichloraldehyde" is created to describe a compound consisting of three chlorine atoms (trichlor-) attached to an aldehyde group (-aldehyde).
