Bromoform

/ˈbroʊmoʊfɔːrm/ noun

Definition

A chemical compound (CHBr3) that is similar to chloroform but contains bromine atoms instead of chlorine, used as a solvent and chemical intermediate.

Etymology

From bromo- (containing bromine, from Greek bromos meaning stench) + -form (from Latin forma meaning shape or formyl group). Created in the 19th century as chemists synthesized halogenated hydrocarbons.

Kelly Says

Bromoform was one of the first organic brominated compounds discovered, and its existence helped chemists understand how different halogens (like bromine and chlorine) could substitute for each other in molecules, which became fundamental to organic chemistry.

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