Chloroform - CHCl₃

Table of Contents

• • What is Chloroform?
  • Chloroform Structure – CHCl₃
  • Physical Properties of Chloroform – CHCl₃
  • Chemical Properties of Chloroform – CHCl₃
  • Uses of Chloroform – CHCl₃
  • Frequently Asked Questions–FAQs

What is Chloroform?

Chloroform is an organic chemical compound initially employed as an ideal anaesthetic. It was first prepared in 1831. The chemical formula is CHCl₃. It is a colourless, sweet-smelling dense liquid produced on a large scale. Chloroform may be released into the air as a result of its formation in the chlorination of drinking water, wastewater and swimming pools. Chloroform is an industrial chemical that can act as a lacrimator. It is non-flammable, which makes it safer to handle than ethanol.

Other names – Trichloromethane, Formyl trichloride, Trichloroform

Chloroform Structure – CHCl₃

Physical Properties of Chloroform – CHCl₃

Chemical Properties of Chloroform – CHCl₃

• • • • Chloroform reacts with base sodium hydroxide forms sodium formate, sodium hydroxide and water. The chemical equation is given below.

CHCl₃ + 4NaOH → HCOONa + 3NaCl + 2H₂O

• • • • Chloroform on oxidation forms phosgene and hydrochloric acid. The chemical equation is given below.

2CHCl₃ + O₂ → 2COCl₂ + 2HCl

Uses of Chloroform – CHCl₃

• • • Used as an anaesthetic and used in dentistry during root canal procedures.
    • The spectrum of pure chloroform is used as the reference or background, and pure cholesterol powder or cholesterol extract from milk products is dissolved in chloroform and used for FTIR analysis.
    • Chloroform was utilized in the past as an extraction dissolvable for fats, greases, oils, and different items; as a laundry spot.
    • Used as an indirect food additive in food packaging materials for adhesive components and as a component of food contact materials.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the uses of chloroform?

Chloroform is a volatile and colourless liquid which is a trichloromethane derivative with a smell similar to ether. Formerly used during surgery as an inhaled anaesthetic, the main application of chloroform today is in agriculture, where it is used as a solvent, and also particularly in the manufacture of the refrigerant freon.

How does chloroform affect the human body?

Local symptoms following chloroform inhalation include shortness of breath, and nose and throat irritation. Acute inhalation can lead to systemic symptoms such as agitation, nausea and vomiting accompanied by ataxia, dizziness, and drowsiness.

Comment on the physical appearance of chloroform

Chloroform is a transparent liquid with a slightly sweet taste and an ether-like odour. It is a naturally occurring compound but much of the environmental chloroform is man-made.

How does chloroform render people unconscious?

Chloroform effectively makes a human unconscious by disrupting the functions of intercellular protein synthesis. Doctors will use a cloth mask with a constant drip of chloroform (or ether) onto it, placed over the nose and mouth with a wire frame, to knock someone out with chloroform.