trichloromethane: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Scientific/Technical
Quick answer
What does “trichloromethane” mean?
A chemical compound with the formula CHCl₃, also known as chloroform.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A chemical compound with the formula CHCl₃, also known as chloroform.
A colourless, dense, sweet-smelling, volatile liquid formerly used as an anaesthetic and now primarily as an industrial solvent and chemical precursor.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Both dialects use 'chloroform' overwhelmingly in non-technical contexts. The spelling is identical.
Connotations
Identical technical connotations. Both associate the common name 'chloroform' with its historical use as an anaesthetic and its portrayal in crime fiction.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general language. Used almost exclusively in technical chemistry texts, where 'chloroform' is still more common even among professionals.
Grammar
How to Use “trichloromethane” in a Sentence
The solvent was trichloromethane.They purified the compound using trichloromethane.Trichloromethane is a halogenated hydrocarbon.Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Unused except in specific chemical manufacturing or supply contexts.
Academic
Used in advanced chemistry textbooks and research papers discussing organic synthesis or molecular structure.
Everyday
Virtually never used; 'chloroform' is the common term if the substance is mentioned at all.
Technical
The standard IUPAC nomenclature in formal chemical documentation, though 'chloroform' remains prevalent in lab shorthand.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “trichloromethane”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “trichloromethane”
- Misspelling as 'trichloromethan', 'trichlorometane', or 'trichlormethane'. Incorrectly using it in general contexts where 'chloroform' is meant.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is harmful if inhaled or ingested, can cause organ damage, and is suspected of being carcinogenic. It must be handled in a fume hood.
To be precise according to IUPAC systematic naming rules, typically in formal academic or regulatory contexts where unambiguous chemical identification is required.
Trichloromethane is a derivative of methane (CH₄), where three of the four hydrogen atoms have been substituted with chlorine atoms.
Its sale and use are heavily restricted due to its toxicity and potential for misuse. It is generally only available to licensed laboratories and institutions.
A chemical compound with the formula CHCl₃, also known as chloroform.
Trichloromethane is usually scientific/technical in register.
Trichloromethane: in British English it is pronounced /ˌtraɪ.klɔː.rəʊ.ˈmiː.θeɪn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌtraɪ.klɔːr.oʊ.ˈmeɪ.θeɪn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
TRI (three) CHLORO (chlorine) METHANE (a basic hydrocarbon): a methane molecule where three hydrogen atoms are replaced by three chlorine atoms.
Conceptual Metaphor
N/A (Highly technical term without common metaphorical use.)
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'trichloromethane' MOST likely to be used?