Chloral
Chloral
Chloral (pronounced: klor-AL), also known as trichloroacetaldehyde or CCl3CHO, is an organic compound with the formula Cl3CCHO. This aldehyde is a colourless oily liquid that is soluble in alcohol and ether, but not in water. It is used in the manufacture of DDT and as a sedative in medicine.
Etymology
The term "chloral" is derived from the elements that make up the compound: chlorine (Cl) and aldehyde. The "-al" suffix is a common ending for aldehydes.
Synthesis
Chloral is produced commercially by the chlorination of acetaldehyde in the presence of hydrochloric acid, producing chloral hydrate. This reaction is exothermic and is carried out in a continuous process.
Medical Use
In medicine, chloral is used in the form of chloral hydrate, a sedative and hypnotic drug. Chloral hydrate is used for treating insomnia and as a sedative before minor surgical or dental procedures. It is also used in the treatment of alcohol withdrawal.
Related Terms
- Chloral hydrate: A derivative of chloral used in medicine as a sedative and hypnotic.
- Acetaldehyde: The compound from which chloral is synthesized.
- Sedative: A substance that induces sedation by reducing irritability or excitement.
- Hypnotic: A drug that induces sleep.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Chloral
- Wikipedia's article - Chloral
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