epichlorohydrin: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical / Industrial / Scientific
Quick answer
What does “epichlorohydrin” mean?
A colourless, volatile, toxic liquid (C₃H₅ClO) used primarily as a chemical intermediate in the production of epoxy resins, synthetic glycerine, and other industrial compounds.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A colourless, volatile, toxic liquid (C₃H₅ClO) used primarily as a chemical intermediate in the production of epoxy resins, synthetic glycerine, and other industrial compounds.
In industrial chemistry, it refers to the reactive epoxide compound 1‑chloro‑2,3‑epoxypropane, which is a key monomer. It is also known for its hazardous properties, including being a probable human carcinogen.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences; spelling and pronunciation are identical. The industrial terminology is standardised globally.
Connotations
None beyond its technical meaning. It carries the same connotation of industrial hazard and utility in both varieties.
Frequency
Extremely rare in general English. Its frequency is confined to technical publications, safety data sheets, and chemical engineering contexts in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “epichlorohydrin” in a Sentence
[epichlorohydrin] is reacted with [chemical][process] produces [epichlorohydrin][epichlorohydrin] acts as a [monomer/intermediate]Exposure to [epichlorohydrin]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “epichlorohydrin” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The epichlorohydrin-based adhesive cured rapidly.
- An epichlorohydrin derivative was analysed.
American English
- The epichlorohydrin-derived polymer showed high strength.
- Epichlorohydrin contamination levels were monitored.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Mentioned in corporate reports of chemical manufacturers, supply chain logistics, and regulatory compliance documents.
Academic
Used in chemistry, chemical engineering, and material science journals, textbooks, and research papers on polymer synthesis.
Everyday
Virtually never used. If encountered, it would be on a hazardous material warning label.
Technical
The primary context. Found in process descriptions, patents, safety data sheets (SDS), and specifications for resin production.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “epichlorohydrin”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “epichlorohydrin”
- Misspelling as 'epichlorhydrin' (dropping the 'o').
- Mispronouncing with stress on 'chloro' instead of 'hydrin' (/ˌɛpɪˈklɔːrəhaɪdrɪn/ is incorrect).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is toxic, flammable, corrosive, and classified as a probable human carcinogen. It requires stringent safety handling procedures.
Not directly. You encounter its polymers (like cured epoxy resins in coatings or adhesives), but the pure chemical is only found in industrial settings.
In chemical nomenclature, 'epi-' here indicates an epoxide functional group—a three-membered cyclic ether.
In technical contexts, it is often abbreviated as ECH. Its IUPAC name is 1-chloro-2,3-epoxypropane.
Epichlorohydrin is usually technical / industrial / scientific in register.
Epichlorohydrin: in British English it is pronounced /ˌɛpɪˌklɔːrə(ʊ)ˈhaɪdrɪn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌɛpɪˌklɔːroʊˈhaɪdrɪn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: EPoxy + CHLORO (chlorine) + HYDRIN (sounds like 'hydrate' but for a chemical compound). It's the chlorine-containing epoxide used for making epoxy.
Conceptual Metaphor
N/A (Too technical for common conceptual metaphors).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary industrial use of epichlorohydrin?