chlormethane Meaning, Definition & Usage

(Chem.) A colorless gas, CH3Cl, of a sweet odor, easily condensed to a liquid; -- called also methyl chloride. Also chloromethane. b. p. -23.7° C. It is sold as a liquid under pressure, and used to rapidly chill skin (so as to prevent swelling after an injury); in this fashion it also serves as a local anaesthetic. It chills by the cooling effect of the rapid evaporation of the liquid form, applied directly to the skin. Also used as a refrigerant.