Chlorobutanol: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 11:09, 15 February 2025

Chlorobutanol[edit]

Chlorobutanol is a chemical compound with the formula C₄H₇Cl₃O. It is a colorless, crystalline solid with a camphor-like odor. Chlorobutanol is used as a preservative and an antiseptic in various pharmaceutical and cosmetic products.

Chemical Properties[edit]

Chlorobutanol is a trihalogenated alcohol, specifically a trichloro derivative of butanol. It is soluble in water, alcohol, and glycerin, but it is insoluble in ether. The compound is stable under normal conditions but can decompose when exposed to light or heat.

Uses[edit]

Chlorobutanol is primarily used as a preservative in ophthalmic and otic solutions, injectable medications, and cosmetic products. It is effective in preventing the growth of bacteria and fungi, thereby extending the shelf life of these products.

In addition to its preservative properties, chlorobutanol has mild anesthetic and sedative effects. It is sometimes used in cough syrups and lozenges to provide relief from coughing and sore throat.

Mechanism of Action[edit]

Chlorobutanol exerts its preservative effect by disrupting the cell membranes of microorganisms, leading to cell lysis and death. Its anesthetic properties are due to its ability to stabilize neuronal membranes, reducing their excitability and thus providing a numbing effect.

Safety and Toxicity[edit]

Chlorobutanol is generally considered safe when used in low concentrations as a preservative. However, it can be toxic if ingested in large amounts. Symptoms of chlorobutanol toxicity include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and central nervous system depression. It is important to use chlorobutanol-containing products as directed to avoid potential adverse effects.

Related Pages[edit]

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-'''Chlorobutanol''' is a compound that has been used as a sedative and hypnotic, as well as a preservative in various pharmaceutical preparations. It is chemically related to [[chloral hydrate]] and is used in the manufacture of [[dextrose]] solution, [[vaccines]], and many other pharmaceuticals.
+== Chlorobutanol ==
-==Chemical Properties==
+[[File:Chlorobutanol_crystals.jpg|thumb|right|Chlorobutanol crystals]]
-Chlorobutanol is a white, crystalline substance with a strong, camphor-like odor. It is soluble in water and alcohol, and it has a melting point of 95-98 degrees Celsius. Its chemical formula is C4H7Cl3O.
-==Medical Uses==
+'''Chlorobutanol''' is a chemical compound with the formula C<sub>4</sub>H<sub>7</sub>Cl<sub>3</sub>O. It is a colorless, crystalline solid with a camphor-like odor. Chlorobutanol is used as a preservative and an antiseptic in various pharmaceutical and cosmetic products.
-Chlorobutanol is used as a sedative and hypnotic in the treatment of [[insomnia]] and other sleep disorders. It is also used as a preservative in various pharmaceutical preparations, including vaccines and dextrose solutions. It has been found to be effective in preserving the potency of vaccines for up to two years.
-==Side Effects==
+== Chemical Properties ==
-The most common side effects of chlorobutanol include drowsiness, dizziness, and nausea. In rare cases, it can cause allergic reactions, including rash, itching, and swelling. It can also cause respiratory problems, including shortness of breath and wheezing.
-==Precautions==
+Chlorobutanol is a [[trihalogenated]] alcohol, specifically a [[trichloro]] derivative of [[butanol]]. It is soluble in [[water]], [[alcohol]], and [[glycerin]], but it is insoluble in [[ether]]. The compound is stable under normal conditions but can decompose when exposed to light or heat.
-Before using chlorobutanol, patients should inform their doctor if they have any allergies or if they are taking any other medications. It is also important to avoid alcohol while taking chlorobutanol, as it can increase the risk of drowsiness and other side effects.
-==See Also==
+== Uses ==
-* [[Chloral hydrate]]
-* [[Insomnia]]
+Chlorobutanol is primarily used as a [[preservative]] in [[ophthalmic]] and [[otic]] solutions, [[injectable]] medications, and [[cosmetic]] products. It is effective in preventing the growth of [[bacteria]] and [[fungi]], thereby extending the shelf life of these products.
-* [[Vaccine]]
+In addition to its preservative properties, chlorobutanol has mild [[anesthetic]] and [[sedative]] effects. It is sometimes used in [[cough syrups]] and [[lozenges]] to provide relief from [[coughing]] and [[sore throat]].
+== Mechanism of Action ==
+Chlorobutanol exerts its preservative effect by disrupting the [[cell membrane]]s of microorganisms, leading to cell lysis and death. Its anesthetic properties are due to its ability to stabilize [[neuronal]] membranes, reducing their excitability and thus providing a numbing effect.
+== Safety and Toxicity ==
+Chlorobutanol is generally considered safe when used in low concentrations as a preservative. However, it can be toxic if ingested in large amounts. Symptoms of chlorobutanol toxicity include [[nausea]], [[vomiting]], [[dizziness]], and [[central nervous system]] depression. It is important to use chlorobutanol-containing products as directed to avoid potential adverse effects.
+== Related Pages ==
+* [[Preservative]]
+* [[Anesthetic]]
+* [[Trichloroethanol]]
+* [[Butanol]]
-[[Category:Pharmaceuticals]]
 [[Category:Chemical compounds]]
 [[Category:Preservatives]]
-[[Category:Sedatives]]
+[[Category:Anesthetics]]
-{{stub}}