What Is CCl₃CHO Called?

CCl₃CHO is called trichloroacetaldehyde, commonly known as chloral.

Nomenclature:

IUPAC Name:

• 2,2,2-trichloroethanal
• "Ethanal" = 2-carbon aldehyde (acetaldehyde base)
• "2,2,2-trichloro" = three chlorine atoms on carbon-2

Common Names:

• Chloral (most frequently used)
• Trichloroacetaldehyde
• Anhydrous chloral

Structure:

• CCl₃-CHO
• Aldehyde functional group (-CHO)
• Three chlorine atoms on the alpha carbon

Important Derivative:

• Chloral hydrate (CCl₃CH(OH)₂)
• Formed when chloral reacts with water
• Historical sedative and hypnotic drug

Uses:

• Intermediate in chemical synthesis
• Production of DDT (historically)
• Pharmaceutical applications

Properties:

• Colorless oily liquid
• Pungent odor
• Reacts readily with water

Key Takeaways:

• IUPAC: 2,2,2-trichloroethanal
• Common name: chloral
• Formula: CCl₃CHO
• Forms chloral hydrate with water