How Do You Spell PYROGALLIC ACID?

1. Pyrogallic acid, also known as benzene-1,2,3-triol or 1,2,3-trihydroxybenzene, is an organic compound with the molecular formula C6H6O3. It is a colorless or pale yellow crystalline solid that is highly soluble in water. Pyrogallic acid derives its name from its ability to release heat when exposed to air or heated, as defined by the Greek words "pyro," meaning fire, and "gallus," meaning gall or bile.

   Primarily used as a photographic developer and an antioxidant, pyrogallic acid has been widely employed in modern photography for its capability to reduce silver halides to metallic silver. Its strong reducing properties also make it an effective reagent in analytical chemistry for the determination of several elements. Furthermore, it exhibits antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, making it useful in medical and pharmaceutical preparations.

   While pyrogallic acid has various applications, it requires careful handling due to its toxic nature. It can cause severe respiratory, skin, and eye irritation. Inhalation or ingestion may result in systemic effects such as headache, dizziness, and gastrointestinal disturbances. Therefore, appropriate protective measures must be taken when working with this compound.

   In summary, pyrogallic acid is a versatile chemical compound utilized in photography, analytical chemistry, and medicine. Its reducing, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties contribute to its significance in various fields, but caution is necessary due to its toxicity.

2. Pyrogallol.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

3. An acid obtained by the action of heat on gallic acid.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for PYROGALLIC ACID

The word "pyrogallic" is derived from the Greek word "pyr", meaning fire or heat, and the Latin word "gallus", which means nutgall. "Pyrogallic" refers to a compound that is capable of producing heat or fire.

The term "acid" comes from the Latin word "acidus", meaning sour. It refers to a chemical substance that has a sour taste and is characterized by its ability to react with bases, dissolve metals, and turn litmus paper red.

So, the etymology of "pyrogallic acid" suggests that it is an acidic compound that has properties related to fire or heat.