How Do You Spell ETHYLCHLORALURETHANE?

1. Ethylchloralurethane, also known as urethane or ethyl carbamate, is a chemical compound with the molecular formula C3H7ClO2N. It is a colorless, crystalline solid that has been historically used in the medical field as a sedative and hypnotic agent.

   In terms of its chemical structure, ethylchloralurethane belongs to the class of compounds known as carbamates, which are esters of carbamic acid. It consists of an ethyl group (C2H5) linked to a carbamate group (–O–CO–NH–) via a chlorine atom.

   Ethylchloralurethane acts on the central nervous system by depressing activity, promoting sedation, inducing sleep, and reducing anxiety in patients. It achieves this by altering the activity of neurotransmitters in the brain, enhancing the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurotransmitter system. GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that helps regulate brain activity, and ethylchloralurethane enhances its effects, thereby producing sedative and hypnotic effects.

   Due to its potential side effects and the availability of safer alternatives, the medical usage of ethylchloralurethane has significantly declined over time. However, it still finds some limited applications in laboratory research settings or as a solvent or intermediate in chemical synthesis. It is important to note that ethylchloralurethane is a controlled substance in some countries due to its sedative properties and potential for misuse or abuse.

2. Somnal.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for ETHYLCHLORALURETHANE

The word "ethylchloralurethane" is a compound formed by combining the following three components:

1. "Ethyl": This term derives from the Old English word "ethel" meaning noble, indicating a compound that contains ethyl groups. The term "ethyl" specifically refers to a two-carbon alkyl group (C2H5-).

2. "Chloral": The term "chloral" comes from the chemical compound chloral hydrate, which was first synthesized in the mid-19th century. It is derived from "chlor-" referring to chlorine (a halogen) and the suffix "-al" indicating an aldehyde functional group.

3. "Urethane": This term originates from "urea" and "ethane". "Urea" is a white crystalline compound discovered in urine, which led to the name derived from the Greek word "ouron" meaning urine.