phosgene

See also: phosgène

English

Etymology

From Ancient Greek φῶς (phôs, “light”) + -gene, due to its first synthesis involving sunlight.

Pronunciation

• (Received Pronunciation) IPA^(key): /ˈfɒsd͡ʒɪn/

  • Audio (Southern England):

    (file)

• (US) IPA^(key): /ˈfɒzd͡ʒiːn/

Noun

phosgene (usually uncountable, plural phosgenes)

1. (inorganic chemistry) carbonyl chloride
   • 2006, Thomas Pynchon, Against the Day, Vintage, published 2007, page 265:

     “‘Poison gas’?” A new one on Lew. But Dr. De Bottle had taken on a somber look. “Phosgene.”

   • 2017, BioWare, Mass Effect: Andromeda (Science Fiction), Redwood City: Electronic Arts, →OCLC, PC, scene: H-276, Pytheas System:

     Remote and cold, H-276 is nevertheless of interest due to phosgene gas in its thick chlorine atmosphere. This could indicate primitive chlorine-based life. However, no detailed study has been completed.

Derived terms

• diphosgene
• phosgene oxime
• phosgenic
• thiophosgene
• triphosgene

Anagrams

• ponghees