Definition

Noun: 1. A chemical compound used as a lachrymatory agent (tear gas): Chloroacetophenone is an organic compound, specifically a chlorinated acetophenone derivative, known for its potent irritant effects on the eyes and mucous membranes. It is classified as a riot control agent.

Usage

• Chloroacetophenone is typically dispersed as an aerosol or in grenade canisters by law enforcement or military personnel for crowd control.
• Its primary effect is to cause severe tearing, eye pain, and temporary blindness, forcing individuals to vacate an area.
• It is often referred to by its military designation CN gas.

Examples

• Riot police used chloroacetophenone to disperse the protesters.
• Exposure to chloroacetophenone causes immediate burning and watering of the eyes.
• The canister released a cloud of chloroacetophenone, or CN gas.

Advanced Usage

• Historical and Comparative Context: While still in use, chloroacetophenone (CN) has been largely superseded by other agents like CS gas (2-chlorobenzalmalononitrile), which is stronger but considered to have a lower risk of long-term injury. A key characteristic of CN is that its irritating effects can persist longer on surfaces and skin compared to CS.

Variants and Related Words

• CN gas: The common abbreviation and military designation for chloroacetophenone.
• Mace™: A brand name for a self-defense spray that originally contained chloroacetophenone as its active ingredient. Modern formulations may use different agents.
• Tear gas: The general category of chemical lachrymatory agents to which chloroacetophenone belongs.
• Riot control agent: The formal term for substances like chloroacetophenone used for crowd dispersal.

Synonyms

• CN gas
• Chemical irritant
• Lachrymator (a technical term for a substance that causes tearing)

Notes on Meaning

The definition of chloroacetophenone is specific and technical. Its core meaning is as a chemical compound with a defined molecular structure (C₆H₅COCH₂Cl). Its primary practical meaning in general and news contexts is as a riot control agent or tear gas. The reference to it being "weaker than CS gas but lasts longer" is a key comparative point regarding its efficacy and persistence.

Noun

1. a tear gas that is weaker than CS gas but lasts longer