trichloroethanol

Trichloroethanol is a chlorinated primary alcohol with the chemical formula C₂H₃Cl₃O. It is a clear to light yellow liquid at room temperature and is structurally similar to ethanol but with three chlorine atoms replacing the hydrogens on the methyl group. Pharmacologically active in humans as a sedative-hypnotic agent historically used for its central nervous system depressant effects. Trichloroethanol acts primarily as a positive allosteric modulator of GABAA receptors and an agonist at glycine receptors; it also exhibits NMDA receptor antagonist activity. It is the principal active metabolite of chloral hydrate and triclofos (both prodrugs), responsible for their sedative effects[3][6]. Chronic exposure can cause liver and kidney damage[3]. In addition to pharmaceutical use (now rare), it has applications in organic synthesis as a protecting group for carboxylic acids and in biochemical research.

Other names

2,2,2-trichloroethanolEthanol, 2,2,2-trichloro-2,2,2-Trichloro-1-ethanol2,2,2-Trichloroethan-1-olEthaponoroethanoLTrichlorethanol