Definition

1. Noun:
   • A colorless, poisonous gas with an odor resembling new-mown hay, used in chemical warfare: "Phosgene" is a specific chemical compound (COCl₂) known for its high toxicity and historical use as a chemical weapon.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The factory had strict safety protocols due to the potential release of phosgene.
  • Soldiers in World War I were sometimes exposed to phosgene attacks.

Advanced Usage

• Technical/Industrial Context: In industrial chemistry, "phosgene" is a key reagent for producing plastics, pesticides, and pharmaceuticals, though its handling requires extreme caution.
  • The chemical plant synthesized the polymer using phosgene as an intermediate.

Variants and Related Words

• Carbonyl chloride: This is the systematic IUPAC name for phosgene.
• COCl₂: This is the chemical formula for phosgene.

Synonyms

• Carbonyl chloride: The formal chemical name.
• CG (military designation): A code sometimes used in military contexts to refer to phosgene.

Related Phrases

• Phosgene exposure: Refers to the condition of being subjected to the gas.
  • The emergency team was trained to treat phosgene exposure.
• Phosgene poisoning: The medical condition resulting from inhaling the gas.
  • Symptoms of phosgene poisoning may include pulmonary edema.

Noun

1. a colorless poisonous gas that smells like new-mown hay; used in chemical warfare