methyl chloride

American  

noun

Chemistry.

1. a colorless, poisonous gas, CH 3 Cl, used chiefly as a refrigerant, as a local anesthetic, and as a methylating agent in organic synthesis.

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methyl chloride British  

noun

1. Systematic name: chloromethane.  a colourless gas with an ether-like odour, used as a refrigerant and anaesthetic. Formula: CH 3 Cl

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Etymology

Origin of methyl chloride

First recorded in 1875–80

Example Sentences

They leaked toxic gases such as ammonia, methyl chloride and sulphur dioxide, which damaged the respiratory system and could easily lead to death.

From BBC • Dec. 10, 2013

Both methyl chloride, which can be used to make rubber, and oleum, a type of sulfuric acid, were accidentally released into the atmosphere.

From Reuters • Jul. 7, 2011

Most manufacturers employ the safe methyl chloride in their machines.

From Time Magazine Archive

He also maintained that most of the chlorine entering the atmosphere comes from such natural causes as volcanic eruptions and the release of methyl chloride from certain seaweeds.

From Time Magazine Archive

Fluorine instantly decomposes methyl chloride, with production of flame and formation of fluorides of hydrogen and carbon, liberation of chlorine, and occasionally deposition of carbon.

From Scientific American Supplement, No. 832, December 12, 1891 by Various