TRICHLORPHENOL Meaning and
Definition
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Trichlorphenol is a chemical compound belonging to the family of chlorophenols, which are organic compounds consisting of a phenol ring substituted with chlorine atoms. Specifically, trichlorphenol is derived from phenol by replacing three hydrogen atoms with chlorine atoms. Its molecular formula is C6H3Cl3O.
Trichlorphenol is a white or pale yellow crystalline solid that is sparingly soluble in water but readily soluble in most organic solvents. It possesses a strong, characteristic odor resembling that of phenol. Trichlorphenol finds applications in various industries such as agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and manufacturing.
In agriculture, trichlorphenol is commonly used as a wood preservative due to its biocidal properties against fungi and insects, facilitating the protection of timber and wood products from decay and infestation. It is also utilized for disinfection purposes in livestock hygiene and animal husbandry.
From a pharmaceutical standpoint, trichlorphenol has been investigated for its potential antibacterial and antifungal activity, making it a subject of interest for the development of medications combating microbial infections.
In the manufacturing sector, trichlorphenol serves as an intermediate in the production of other chemicals. It participates in the synthesis of herbicides, insecticides, and dyes. Additionally, it can be employed in the manufacturing of plastics, resins, and rubber products.
Due to its toxic nature, trichlorphenol must be handled with proper care and precautions to prevent adverse health effects.
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Trichlorphenic acid, a derivative of carbolic acid occurring in white acicular crystals; employed as an antiseptic and disinfectant.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for TRICHLORPHENOL
Etymology of TRICHLORPHENOL
The word "trichlorphenol" is derived from a combination of Greek and English elements.
"Tri-" comes from the Greek word "tri", meaning "three" and indicates the presence of three chlorine atoms in the compound.
"Chlor" is derived from the Greek word "chlōros", meaning "greenish-yellow", representing the element chlorine.
"Phenol" comes from the English word "phenol" which originally comes from the Greek word "phainō", meaning "to show" or "to shine", due to its white crystalline appearance.
Therefore, "trichlorphenol" can be understood as a compound consisting of three chlorine atoms bonded to a phenol molecule.
