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

Phosgene, more deadly than chlorine, was also an asphyxiant—it too caused death by suffocation.

From Literature

On June 22, German troops opened their attack on the fort with a bombardment of explosives and a new kind of phosgene gas, called Green Cross, which killed plants and insects as well as men and horses.

From Literature

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

Phosgene is used to make plastics and pesticides, and was behind most chemical deaths during World War One.

From BBC

Emergency services reported that the levels of phosgene decreased until they "reached zero", county official Lena Maria Fritzberg told public broadcaster SVT.

From BBC