benzyl bromide

noun

: a colorless to slightly yellow corrosive liquid C7H7Br used in organic synthesis and formerly used as a war gas due to its irritant effects on skin and the mucous membranes
At Bolimov, on 31 Jan. 1915, Haber's troops fired shells filled with liquid benzyl bromide, a tear gas suggested by Hans Tappan, another chemist, but at the extremely cold temperatures the liquid failed to vaporize. Donald Richter, Chemical Soldiers, 1992

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Word History

First Known Use

1872, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of benzyl bromide was in 1872

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Dictionary Entries Near benzyl bromide

benzylate

benzyl bromide

benzyl cellulose

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Cite this Entry

“Benzyl bromide.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/benzyl%20bromide. Accessed 18 Aug. 2022.

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