1. A colorless, oily chemical compound (trichloromethyl chloroformate) used as a chemical warfare agent and tear gas; a poisonous substance that causes severe respiratory damage.
Usage: chemistry; military/historical; also called trichloromethyl chloroformate

Examples

• Diphosgenes was developed as a chemical weapon during World War I.
• The compound diphosgenes is more stable than phosgene but equally toxic.
• Military historians document the use of diphosgenes in early chemical warfare.
• Exposure to diphosgenes causes pulmonary edema and respiratory failure.
• The chemical structure of diphosgenes makes it a potent lachrymatory agent.