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

Example Sentences

This gas was first used by the Germans late in 1915 and then adopted by the Allies, while the Germans switched to diphosgene which is less stable than its chemical brother but easier to fill into shells.

From Time Magazine Archive

Chemistry's most spectacular contribution to World War I, apparently not yet used in World War II�chlorine, phosgene, diphosgene, chlorpicrin, diphenylchlorarsine, mustard�were all discovered in peace time by non-military scientists.

From Time Magazine Archive

Of the lethal gases they learn that chlorine, phosgene and diphosgene attack a man's lungs, are soon blown away.

From Time Magazine Archive

The poison gases: mustard, lewisite, ethyldichlorarsine, chlorpicrin, diphosgene, phosgene and chlorine.

From Time Magazine Archive

The familiar Green Cross represented the slightly persistent, volatile, lethal compounds, such as phosgene and diphosgene.

From Project Gutenberg