diphosgene

[ dahy-fos-jeen ]

noun

, Chemistry.

1. a colorless liquid, C 2 Cl 4 O 2 , usually derived from methyl formate or methyl chloroformate by chlorination: a World War I poison gas now used chiefly in organic synthesis.

diphosgene

/ daɪˈfɒzdʒiːn /

noun

1. an oily liquid with an extremely poisonous vapour, made by treating methanol with phosgene and chlorinating the product: has been used in chemical warfare. Formula: ClCOOCCl 3

Word History and Origins

Origin of diphosgene¹

First recorded in 1920–25; di- ¹ + phosgene