bichloride

/'bai'klɔ:raid/

Thân thiện

A chemist carefully handles a bichloride solution in the laboratory.

Definition

Noun: A chemical compound containing two atoms of chlorine per molecule. This term is primarily used in specific chemical nomenclature, most notably for mercury(II) chloride (HgCl₂), historically known as "bichloride of mercury."

Usage

The word "bichloride" is a technical term used in chemistry. It is often part of a compound name specifying the metal or cation to which the two chlorine atoms are bonded. Its use in general language is rare.

Examples

• The disinfectant was a solution of bichloride.
• Bichloride of mercury was once used as an antiseptic, though it is highly toxic.
• In the old formula, the compound was listed as a tin bichloride.

Advanced Usage

• The prefix "bi-" in this context is an older chemical naming convention often synonymous with "di-," indicating two atoms. Modern systematic nomenclature typically uses "dichloride" (e.g., mercuric dichloride, stannous dichloride). Therefore, "bichloride" is considered somewhat archaic but may still be encountered in historical texts or specific industrial contexts.

Variants and Related Words

• Dichloride (noun): The more modern and systematic term for a compound containing two chlorine atoms. (e.g., ethylene dichloride).
• Bichloride of mercury (noun phrase): The historical name for the compound mercury(II) chloride (HgCl₂).

Synonyms

• Dichloride

Notes on Meaning

The meaning of "bichloride" is precise and technical. It does not have idiomatic or figurative uses. It refers strictly to a binary compound where two chlorine atoms are combined with another element or radical.

Học thuật

Noun

1. a compound containing two chlorine atoms per molecule

Từ đồng nghĩa

• dichloride