Definition

Noun: A poisonous, oily, flammable liquid with a garlic-like odor. Its chemical structure consists of two cacodyl groups (As(CH₃)₂). It ignites spontaneously upon exposure to dry air.

Usage

This is a highly specific chemical term. It is used almost exclusively in scientific contexts, particularly in chemistry and toxicology, to refer to this specific organoarsenic compound.

Examples

• The laboratory strictly controlled the handling of tetramethyldiarsine due to its pyrophoric and toxic nature.
• The characteristic garlic odor is a warning sign for the presence of tetramethyldiarsine and related arsenic compounds.

Advanced Usage

• The compound is often discussed in historical contexts concerning the early development of organometallic chemistry or as a classic example of a pyrophoric substance.

Variants and Related Words

• Cacodyl: Refers to the dimethylarsinyl radical, (CH₃)₂As-, which is the building block of tetramethyldiarsine.
• Cacodyl oxide: A related, similarly toxic and pyrophoric compound.

Synonyms

• Cacodyl (This can be a synonym in older chemical nomenclature, though it is less specific.)

Notes on Meaning

This word has a single, precise scientific meaning. There are no common idioms, phrasal verbs, or figurative uses associated with it.

Noun

1. a poisonous oily liquid with a garlicky odor composed of 2 cacodyl groups; undergoes spontaneous combustion in dry air