A chemical compound that is the bromine analog of chloral, historically used as a sedative or hypnotic drug.
From 'bromo-' (bromine) + '-al' suffix. Created by replacing chlorine atoms in chloral with bromine atoms, following a pattern of chemical modification common in pharmaceutical development.
Bromal was developed as a less toxic alternative to chloral when doctors realized chloral's dangerous properties—it's a great example of how chemists try to improve drugs by swapping out one element for a similar but safer one.
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