Chloral
Agent Name
Chloral
CAS Number
75-87-6
Formula
C2-H-Cl3-O
Major Category
Other Classes
Synonyms
2,2,2-Trichloroacetaldehyde; Acetaldehyde, trichloro-; Anhydrous chloral; Chloral (IUPAC); Cloralio [Italian]; Grasex; Trichloroacetaldehyde; Trichloroethanal; [ChemIDplus] UN2075
Category
Aldehydes
Description
Colorless liquid with an irritating odor; [HSDB] Odor is pungent and irritating; [MSDSonline]
Sources/Uses
Used to make trichloroacetic acid, chloral hydrate, DDT, methoxychlor, DDVP, naled, and trichlorofon; Also used to induce swelling of starch granules and to spray and pour polyurethanes; [HSDB]
Comments
A skin, eye, and mucous membrane irritant; Toxic by inhalation, ingestion, and skin contact; [CAMEO] A corrosive substance that can cause injury to the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract; Hypnotic and CNS depressant; Effects in high-dose animal studies include acute pulmonary edema; "Can be habit forming with effects similar to alcohol." [MSDSonline]
Biomedical References
Exposure Assessment
Vapor Pressure
50 mm Hg
Lethal Concentration
LC50 (rat) = 440 mg/m3/4h
Explanatory Notes
Flash point = 75 deg C; [CAMEO] The Guide from the Emergency Response Guidebook is for "Chloral, anhydrous, stabilized." VP from ChemIDplus;
Adverse Effects
Toxic Pneumonitis
Yes
Neurotoxin
Other CNS neurotoxin
Dermatotoxin
Skin burns
IARC Carcinogen
Probable (2a)
Diseases, Processes, and Activities Linked to This Agent
Other Information
No other related information on this agent was found.