112Trichloroethanol

112-Trichloroethanol (also known as trichloroethanol or TCE) is an organic compound with the chemical formula C₂H₃Cl₃O. It is a colorless liquid with a mild, sweet odor and is primarily recognized as a metabolite of trichloroethylene (TCE), a widely used industrial solvent. TCE is metabolized in the human body to form trichloroacetic acid and 112-trichloroethanol, which are then excreted in urine.

112-Trichloroethanol is notable for its role in the pharmacokinetics of certain anesthetic drugs. It is a metabolite of several general anesthetics, including propofol, etomidate, and some barbiturates. When these drugs are metabolized, they form trichloroethanol, which contributes to the pharmacological effects observed during anesthesia. The compound is also known to produce a characteristic odor, often described as "ether-like," which can be detected in the breath of individuals who have recently received certain anesthetics.

In toxicological studies, 112-trichloroethanol has been investigated for its potential health effects. While it is generally considered less toxic than its parent compound, trichloroethylene, prolonged exposure to high concentrations of TCE or its metabolites may pose risks. Chronic exposure to TCE has been linked to neurological and developmental effects, though the specific contributions of trichloroethanol to these outcomes are still under study.

The compound is also used in laboratory settings for research purposes, particularly in studies related to anesthesia and pharmacology. Its relatively simple structure and metabolic pathway make it a useful model for understanding the behavior of similar anesthetic metabolites. Additionally, 112-trichloroethanol is occasionally referenced in discussions of environmental chemistry due to its presence in water and soil contaminated with TCE.