Trichloromethane: meaning, definitions and examples

🧪
Add to dictionary

trichloromethane

 

[ trai-klor-o-mee-thane ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

chemical compound

Trichloromethane, commonly known as chloroform, is a colorless, tasteless organic compound with the chemical formula CHCl3. It is used as a solvent and in the production of various chemicals, although its use has declined due to safety concerns.

Synonyms

chloroform, methyl trichloride, trichloroethane

Examples of usage

  • The laboratory used trichloromethane for the extraction process.
  • Trichloromethane is sometimes used in the manufacturing of refrigerants.
  • Safety data sheets list trichloromethane as a hazardous substance.
  • Ensure proper ventilation when working with trichloromethane.

Translations

Translations of the word "trichloromethane" in other languages:

🇵🇹 triclorometano

🇮🇳 त्रिक्लोरोमीथेन

🇩🇪 Trichlormethan

🇮🇩 trikloro metana

🇺🇦 трихлорометан

🇵🇱 trichloroform

🇯🇵 トリクロロメタン

🇫🇷 trichlorométhane

🇪🇸 tricloroetano

🇹🇷 trikloroform

🇰🇷 트리클로로메탄

🇸🇦 ثلاثي كلوريد الميثان

🇨🇿 trichlormethan

🇸🇰 trichlórmetán

🇨🇳 三氯甲烷

🇸🇮 triklorometan

🇮🇸 tríklórmetan

🇰🇿 трихлорометан

🇬🇪 ტრიქლორომეთანი

🇦🇿 trikloroform

🇲🇽 tricloroetano

Word origin

The term 'trichloromethane' is derived from its chemical structure, which consists of three chlorine atoms bonded to a single carbon atom, along with one hydrogen atom. The 'tri-' prefix indicates the presence of three chlorine atoms, while 'chloro' refers to chlorine. Its systematic name follows the IUPAC nomenclature for organic compounds. Trichloromethane was first discovered in the 1830s by the chemist just two years after its synthesis by another chemist, and it has been commonly used in medicine and industry since then, particularly as an anesthetic and a solvent. However, concerns regarding its safety, including its potential carcinogenic effects, have led to decreased use and strict regulations regarding handling and disposal, especially in laboratory and industrial settings.