phosgene

[ fos-jeen, foz- ]

noun

, Chemistry.

1. a poisonous, colorless, very volatile liquid or suffocating gas, COCl 2 , a chemical-warfare compound: used chiefly in organic synthesis.

phosgene

/ ˈfɒzdʒiːn /

noun

1. a colourless easily liquefied poisonous gas, carbonyl chloride, with an odour resembling that of new-mown hay: used in chemical warfare as a lethal choking agent and in the manufacture of pesticides, dyes, and polyurethane resins. Formula: COCl 2

phosgene

/ fŏs′jēn′ /

1. A colorless, volatile gas that has the odor of freshly mowed hay. When it reacts with water (as in the lungs during respiration), phosgene produces hydrochloric acid and carbon monoxide. It is used in making glass, dyes, resins, and plastics, and was used as a poisonous gas during World War I. Also called carbonyl chloride. Chemical formula: COCl 2 .

Word History and Origins

Origin of phosgene¹

1805–15; < Greek phôs light (contraction of pháos ) + -genēs -gen

Word History and Origins

Origin of phosgene¹

C19: from Greek phōs light + -gene, variant of -gen

Example Sentences

Traces of the World War One poison gas phosgene were detected in an incident at Sweden's security service HQ last Friday, official documents suggest.

From BBC

Local media reports earlier said sensors on the building's roof detected phosgene, but authorities have not confirmed this.

From BBC

The source materials for this need to be reactive, but that also usually makes them toxic, such as the commonly used phosgene.

From Science Daily

Vinyl chloride is also dangerous when burned, as it produces toxic gasses like phosgene gas and hydrogen chloride.

From Salon

Officials warned when they burned it that two concerning gases — hydrogen chloride and phosgene, which was used as a weapon in World War I — might be released in the process.

From Seattle Times