carbon tetrachloride
Học thuậtThân thiện
A scientist carefully pours carbon tetrachloride into a beaker in the laboratory.
Definition
- Noun:
- A colorless, nonflammable liquid chemical compound: Carbon tetrachloride is a heavy, volatile liquid with the chemical formula CCl₄. It was historically used as a powerful solvent for fats, oils, and other substances, and as a refrigerant and fire extinguishing agent. Its use has been largely discontinued due to its high toxicity and environmental impact.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- The old laboratory manual warned against using carbon tetrachloride without proper ventilation.
- Due to its toxicity, carbon tetrachloride is no longer found in household cleaning products.
Advanced Usage
- Industrial and Historical Context: The term is primarily used in scientific, industrial, safety, and historical contexts to discuss chemistry, industrial hazards, or the evolution of safety standards.
- The phase-out of carbon tetrachloride is a case study in regulating persistent environmental toxins.
Variants and Related Words
- Tetrachloromethane: This is the systematic IUPAC name for the same compound, CCl₄.
- Carbon tet: A common informal abbreviation used in industrial and laboratory settings.
- Perchloromethane: An alternative chemical name.
Synonyms
- Tetrachloromethane (precise chemical synonym)
- Perchloromethane
Related Phrases
- "Carbon tetrachloride poisoning": A medical condition resulting from exposure to the compound, affecting the liver, kidneys, and nervous system.
- Symptoms of acute carbon tetrachloride poisoning include nausea and dizziness.
Notes on Meaning
- The word specifically denotes the chemical compound CCl₄. Its meaning is technical and does not have idiomatic or figurative uses. Its primary associations are with its properties as a solvent, its toxicity, and its historical applications, which have been superseded by safer alternatives.
A scientist carefully pours carbon tetrachloride into a beaker in the laboratory.
Noun
- a colorless nonflammable liquid used as a solvent for fats and oils; because of its toxicity its use as a cleaning fluid or fire extinguisher has declined