Chloral

(klo'ral.) So named to indicate its origin from chlorine and alcohol.) (Chem.) A colorle oily looking fluid of a peculiar penetrating odor, soluble in alcohol, water, and ether. It is prepared by pa ing) dry chlorine into anhydrous alcohol. When a small quantity of water is added to C., they unite, forming a crystalline compound of considerable stability in the air. When C., or its hydrate, is mixed with a caustic alkali, it is immediately decomposed into a for me ate and chloroform. Hydrate of C. is of considerable value in medicine, as it is a very powerful hypnotic, rapidly producing sound and refreshing sleep, while it does not appear to be followed by injurious reaction. Form. C4H1309. [s. 180]