perchloromethane

9.9

A clear liquid used to dissolve fats and oils that is poisonous

noun
/pərˌklɔːrəˈmɛθeɪn/

Archaic

: perclorometano

Scientists use perchloromethane as a solvent in certain chemical extractions.

Examples

Because of its toxicity, perchloromethane is rarely used for dry cleaning today.
The laboratory disposed of the perchloromethane in accordance with hazardous waste regulations.
The laboratory used perchloromethane as a solvent.
Many chemists are cautious when handling perchloromethane.
Scientists use perchloromethane as a solvent for oils in chemical processes.
Due to its toxicity, perchloromethane is now less frequently employed in industrial applications.
In the lab, technicians carefully handle perchloromethane because of its hazardous properties.

Synonyms

tetrachloromethane

vsperchloromethane

Specialized

9.9

A clear liquid once used to clean things that is now used less because it is poisonous

is mainly for dissolving fats and oils rather than broad cleaning tasks

carbon tetrachloride

vsperchloromethane

Archaic

8.7

A colorless toxic liquid once used to clean things or put out fires, now avoided because it harms the body

is focused on dissolving fats and oils rather than extinguisher use

How Toxic

perchloromethane

Archaic

9.9

perchloroethylene

Specialized

1 9.6

kerosene

41 3.8

mineral oil

2 3.4

Surface Forms

perchloromethane singular

perchloromethanes plural

Morphology

perchloromethane = methane (semi-transparent) = perchloro + methane

Formally built from the combining prefix 'perchloro-' plus 'methane', but understanding requires chemical knowledge and the physical properties differ substantially from plain 'methane'.

Etymology

Perchloromethane breaks into three parts: per- meaning 'completely', chloro- meaning 'with chlorine', and methane the simple gas name. So the name tells you it is methane that has many chlorine atoms added, which is why it is a heavy, strong solvent and very toxic.