Word: Carbon Tetrachloride
Part of Speech: Noun
Simple Explanation:Carbon tetrachloride is a clear, colorless liquid that does not catch fire easily. It was commonly used in the past for cleaning and dissolving oily substances, like fats. However, because it can be harmful to health, its use has decreased significantly.
Usage Instructions: - Carbon tetrachloride is mainly used in industrial settings and is not recommended for home use due to its toxicity. - If you encounter the term in a scientific or industrial context, it often refers to its properties as a solvent.
Example Sentence: "The factory used carbon tetrachloride to clean the machinery, but now they have switched to safer alternatives."
Advanced Usage: In more technical discussions, carbon tetrachloride may be mentioned in the context of environmental science due to its harmful effects on the ozone layer and its regulation under environmental laws.
Word Variants: - Chemical formula: CCl₄ - Other names: Tetrachloromethane, Perchloromethane
Different Meanings:While carbon tetrachloride primarily refers to the chemical compound, it does not have widely recognized alternative meanings in everyday language.
Synonyms: - Tetrachloromethane - Perchloromethane
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:There are no common idioms or phrasal verbs specifically related to carbon tetrachloride, as it is a technical term used mostly in chemistry and industrial contexts.
Important Note:Due to its toxicity, carbon tetrachloride is no longer used in many applications, especially in household products. It's important to handle it with care and follow safety guidelines if you ever work in an environment where it is used.