The gas responsible for Bhopal gas tragedy was?
**Core Concept**
The Bhopal gas tragedy was a catastrophic industrial disaster that occurred on December 3, 1984, in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India. The tragedy involved the release of a toxic gas that caused widespread poisoning and death, making it one of the world's worst industrial disasters.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The gas responsible for the Bhopal gas tragedy was methyl isocyanate (MIC), a highly toxic and volatile compound. MIC is a precursor to polyurethane foam and other chemicals, but it is also a potent irritant that can cause severe respiratory damage, eye irritation, and even death. The exposure to MIC led to acute respiratory distress syndrome, pulmonary edema, and other systemic complications.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Chlorine gas is a toxic gas that can cause respiratory irritation and damage, but it is not the primary gas responsible for the Bhopal gas tragedy.
**Option B:** Phosgene gas is another toxic gas that can cause respiratory damage, but it is not the gas released during the Bhopal disaster.
**Option C:** Hydrogen cyanide gas is a highly toxic gas that can cause rapid respiratory failure, but it is not the primary gas responsible for the Bhopal gas tragedy.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Methyl isocyanate is a highly reactive gas that can cause severe irritation to the eyes, skin, and respiratory tract. It is also a potent inhibitor of cellular respiration, which can lead to rapid cell death and tissue damage.
**Correct Answer:** C. Methyl isocyanate.