chloramine

[klawr-uh-meen, klohr-, klaw-ram-een, kloh-]

noun

1. an unstable, colorless liquid, NH 2 Cl, with a pungent odor, derived from ammonia.

2. any of a class of compounds obtained by replacing a hydrogen atom of an =NH or −NH 2 group with chlorine.

chloramine

/ ˈklɔːrəˌmiːn /

noun

1. an unstable colourless liquid with a pungent odour, made by the reaction of sodium hypochlorite and ammonia. Formula: NH 2 Cl

2. any compound produced by replacing hydrogen atoms in an azo or amine group with chlorine atoms

chloramine

1. One of three bactericidal compounds that form when chlorine and ammonia react in water. Chloramines are used to purify drinking water, since they are more stable than chlorine and produce fewer harmful by-products.

2. Any of various organic compounds containing a chlorine atom attached to a nitrogen atom, especially one of three sodium salts that are used as antiseptics and germicides. The most widely used is called chloramine-T.

Word History and Origins

Origin of chloramine¹

First recorded in 1890–95; chlor- ² + amine

Example Sentences

If water remains stagnant in a reservoir, there is a risk that the disinfectant, chloramine, will break down and chlorine will evaporate, leaving behind ammonia that could foster bacterial growth in the water supply.

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Experts suggest looking for a showerhead with hte ability to filter “additional contaminants like sulfur, iron, or chloramine.”

Read more on Seattle Times

Mixing bleach with vinegar or ammonia, in addition to applying heat, can produce chlorine and chloramine gases that could lead to severe lung tissue damage when inhaled, the CDC said.

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Between 2001 and 2004, the District’s water system was found to have alarming levels of lead when the Washington Aqueduct, which supplies city water, changed its treatment chemical from chlorine to chloramine.

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The city of more than 300,000 will resume using a chloramine disinfectant.

Read more on Washington Times