Chloral hydrate is a sedative and hypnotic drug as well as a chemical reagent and precursor. The name chloral hydrate indicates that it is formed from chloral (trichloroacetaldehyde) by the addition of one molecule of water. more

Chloral hydrate is a sedative and hypnotic drug as well as a chemical reagent and precursor. The name chloral hydrate indicates that it is formed from chloral (trichloroacetaldehyde) by the addition of one molecule of water. Its chemical formula is C 2 H 3 Cl 3 O 2 .

It was discovered through the chlorination of ethanol in 1832 by Justus von Liebig in Gießen . [ 1 ] [ 2 ] Its sedative properties were first published in 1869 and subsequently, because of its easy synthesis, its use was widespread. [ 3 ] It was widely abused and misprescribed in the late 19th century. Chloral hydrate is soluble in both water and alcohol , readily forming concentrated solutions. A solution of chloral hydrate in alcohol called "knockout drops" was used to prepare a Mickey Finn . More reputable uses of chloral hydrate include its use as a clearing agent of chitin (and fibers) and as a key ingredient of Hoyer's mounting medium, which is used for slide-mounted observation of organisms under the microscope . less