chloromethane: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowTechnical / Scientific
Quick answer
What does “chloromethane” mean?
A chemical compound, specifically an organohalogen, consisting of a methane molecule where one hydrogen atom is replaced by a chlorine atom. Its chemical formula is CH₃Cl.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A chemical compound, specifically an organohalogen, consisting of a methane molecule where one hydrogen atom is replaced by a chlorine atom. Its chemical formula is CH₃Cl.
A colourless, flammable gas with a faint sweet odour, also known as methyl chloride. It was historically used as a refrigerant and solvent, and is primarily an industrial intermediate in the production of other chemicals like silicones.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in usage. Both follow IUPAC naming conventions. 'Methyl chloride' is a common alternative name in both varieties.
Connotations
None beyond its technical meaning.
Frequency
Equally rare in both varieties, confined to technical fields.
Grammar
How to Use “chloromethane” in a Sentence
[chloromethane] + [verb: is produced, is used, reacts]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “chloromethane” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The chloromethane precursor was carefully measured.
- A chloromethane derivative.
American English
- The chloromethane feedstock was carefully measured.
- A chloromethane byproduct.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in reports of chemical manufacturing companies (e.g., 'Our plant's chloromethane output increased by 5% this quarter').
Academic
Used in chemistry textbooks and research papers on organic synthesis or atmospheric chemistry.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Standard term in chemical engineering, industrial safety data sheets, and environmental science regarding ozone-depleting substances.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “chloromethane”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “chloromethane”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “chloromethane”
- Misspelling as 'cloromethane' (dropping the 'h').
- Confusing it with 'chloroform' (trichloromethane, CHCl₃).
- Incorrect stress: stressing the first syllable instead of 'meth' (/ˌklɔːrəʊˈmiːθeɪn/).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. It is flammable, toxic if inhaled, and can affect the central nervous system. It requires careful handling in industrial settings.
Its main use is as an intermediate in the production of silicone polymers. It was also historically used as a refrigerant and solvent.
Chloromethane (CH₃Cl) has one chlorine atom. Chloroform (CHCl₃) has three chlorine atoms and is a liquid at room temperature, historically used as an anaesthetic.
It is both. It is produced industrially, but also naturally by marine algae, volcanoes, and forest fires.
A chemical compound, specifically an organohalogen, consisting of a methane molecule where one hydrogen atom is replaced by a chlorine atom. Its chemical formula is CH₃Cl.
Chloromethane is usually technical / scientific in register.
Chloromethane: in British English it is pronounced /ˌklɔːrəʊˈmiːθeɪn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌklɔːroʊˈmeθeɪn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'Chloro' (like in chlorine, a greenish gas) + 'methane' (the simplest hydrocarbon). It's methane with a chlorine swap.
Practice
Quiz
What is the common name for chloromethane?