Chloroform: Structure, Properties, and Applications

Chloroform, also known by its chemical name trichloromethane, is a well-known halogenated organic compound. Historically famous as an early anesthetic, it is now widely used as a solvent in laboratories and industry. Though less commonly used in medicine today due to safety concerns, chloroform remains an important chemical in many scientific applications.

Basic Information

• Chemical Name: Trichloromethane

• Common Name: Chloroform

• Molecular Formula: CHCl₃

• Molar Mass: 119.38 g/mol

• IUPAC Name: Trichloromethane

• Structure:

  

   

Chloroform consists of a central carbon atom bonded to one hydrogen and three chlorine atoms.

Physical and Chemical Properties

Chemical Behavior

• Stability: Chloroform is relatively stable, but in the presence of light and oxygen, it slowly decomposes to phosgene (COCl₂), a highly toxic gas.

• Storage: Commercial chloroform is often stabilized with ethanol or amylene to prevent this decomposition.

• Reactivity:

  • Reacts with strong bases

  • Can undergo haloform reactions

  • Acts as a solvent for fats, alkaloids, iodine, and other non-polar compounds

Uses and Applications

1. Laboratory Solvent:

   • Widely used in organic chemistry and biochemistry

   • Particularly valuable for DNA extraction protocols (e.g., phenol–chloroform extraction)

2. Industrial Applications:

   • Intermediate in the production of refrigerants (historically, R-22 and R-134a)

   • Used in the synthesis of fluoropolymers, dyes, and pesticides

3. Medical Use (Historical):

   • Once used as a general anesthetic in the 19th and early 20th centuries

   • Abandoned due to risk of cardiac arrhythmia, hepatotoxicity, and fatal overdose

4. Forensics and Toxicology:

   • Chloroform is a substance of interest in toxicological studies and forensic investigations

5. Degreasing Agent:

   • Used for cleaning fine instruments and precision parts in some industrial settings

Health and Safety Considerations

Chloroform is hazardous to health, and prolonged or repeated exposure can cause serious damage.

Exposure Routes:

• Inhalation: Dizziness, nausea, headache, fatigue

• Skin contact: Can be absorbed through skin; causes irritation

• Ingestion: Toxic and potentially fatal

Long-Term Risks:

• Hepatotoxicity (liver damage)

• Nephrotoxicity (kidney damage)

• Carcinogenicity: Classified as a possible human carcinogen (Group 2B by IARC)

• Can cause central nervous system depression

Safety Precautions:

• Use in fume hoods

• Wear gloves, goggles, and protective clothing

• Store in amber bottles, away from light and heat

Environmental Impact

• Volatile organic compound (VOC): Contributes to air pollution

• Groundwater contaminant: Can persist in soil and water

• Not readily biodegradable; requires special treatment for disposal

Summary Table

Final Thoughts

Chloroform is a powerful and versatile solvent, indispensable in many chemical and biological labs. However, its use comes with serious health and environmental concerns. Proper handling, storage, and disposal are critical to ensure safety. Though its role in medicine is now largely historical, its impact on the development of anesthetics and chemistry remains significant.

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