phosgene
/ˈfɒzdʒiːn
/noun [mass noun] Chemistry
A colourless poisonous gas made by the reaction of chlorine and carbon dioxide. It was used as a poison gas, notably in the First World War.
- Alternative name: carbonyl chloride; chemical formula: COCl2.
- The primary gaseous agents used were chlorine, phosgene, a combination of the two, and mustard gas.
- However, its immediate precursor compound, thiodiglycol, is used industrially, although in quantities that don't come anywhere near chlorine or phosgene.
Origin
Early 19th century: from Greek phōs 'light' + -gen, with reference to its original production by the action of sunlight on chlorine and carbon monoxide.