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Why was chloroethane used as a topical anesthetic?
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organohalogen compound
Vinyl chloride is an organohalogen compound that has important industrial applications. When treated with certain catalysts, vinyl chloride monomers undergo polymerization and form the larger compound known as polyvinyl chloride, or PVC. PVC is used in the manufacture of numerous products, including packaging films and water pipes.
Chloroethane, also known as ethyl chloride, is an organohalogen compound that was used as a topical anesthetic because of its physical properties. When sprayed onto the surface of the skin, the substance undergoes rapid evaporation, which produces a cooling or numbing sensation. This effect made it useful for minor medical procedures, such as small incisions, tooth extractions, and needle punctures.12