Crossword clues for paraldehyde
The Collaborative International Dictionary
Paraldehyde \Par*al"de*hyde\, n. [Pref. para- + aldehyde.]
(Chem.)
A trimer of acetaldehyde ( C6H12O3), prepared by
polymerization of acetaldehyde with hydrochloric and sulfuric
acids. It has sedative and hypnotic properties.
--MI11
Wiktionary
n. (context organic compound English) A cyclic trimer of acetaldehyde once used as an antidepressant.
WordNet
n. a colorless liquid (a cyclic trimer of acetaldehyde) that is used as a sedative and a solvent [syn: ethanal trimer]
Wikipedia
Paraldehyde is the cyclic trimer of acetaldehyde molecules. Formally, it is a derivative of 1,3,5-trioxane. The corresponding tetramer is metaldehyde. A colourless liquid, it is sparingly soluble in water and highly soluble in ethanol. Paraldehyde slowly oxidizes in air, turning brown and producing an odour of acetic acid. It quickly reacts with most plastics and rubber.
Paraldehyde was first synthesized in 1829 by Wildenbusch. It has uses in industry and medicine.
Usage examples of "paraldehyde".
Then he reached down from the top shelf of the cupboard the bottle of paraldehyde and poured himself a glistening tablespoonful.
Donnie mixed the paraldehyde with the grape juice and licked the spoon.
He prepared a second syringe of the ultrashort-acting thiobarbital and paraldehyde, intending to inject it into something she might eat or directly into the starlet herself.