Chloroform
What Is Chloroform?
Chloroform is a clear, colorless, and slightly water-soluble liquid with a characteristic odor and sweet taste. Though typically non-flammable, it will ignite under extreme conditions.
Chloroform is produced as a by-product of chlorination in drinking water, municipal sewage, and swimming pools and is also found in auto exhaust. It’s generated by some types of ocean algae and seaweed but does not accumulate in fish. Though not degraded by sunlight or microorganisms, chloroform will volatilize from soil and water.
Exposure to high concentrations of chloroform can harm the central nervous system, liver, and kidneys. High levels in the air can lead to fatigue, dizziness, headache, and loss of consciousness. Contact with the skin can cause sores.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer and the U.S. National Toxicology Program’s 14th Report on Carcinogens both determined that chloroform is a possible human carcinogen based on evidence from laboratory animals. The U.S. EPA IRIS program classifies chloroform as a likely human carcinogen as a result of high, but not low, exposure.
Synonyms: Trichloromethane, formyl trichloride, trichloroform, methyl trichloride, methane trichloride
Physical and Chemical Properties
| Property | Value | ||
|---|---|---|---|
Molecular Weight | 119.37 g/mol | ||
Density | 1.4788 g/mL at 25°C | ||
Boiling Point | 61.1°C | ||
Melting Point | -63.6°C | ||
Flash Point | None | ||
Viscosity | 5.63 mPa·s at 20°C | ||
Dielectric Constant | 4.81 | ||
Dipole Moment | 1.15 D | ||
UV Cutoff | 245 nm | ||
Refractive Index | 1.4459 at 20°C | ||
Vapor Pressure | 197 mm Hg at 25°C | ||
Vapor Density | 4.12 (vs. air) | ||
Water Solubility | 7.95 mg/mL at 25°C | ||
Heat of Combustion | Nonflammable | ||
Heat of Vaporization | 2.483 x 105 J/kg | ||
Surface Tension | 0.0271 N/m at 20°C |
How Is Chloroform Used?
Chloroform is used as a solvent, a fumigant, and in the production of liquid refrigerants and PTFE plastics. It also functions as a chemical intermediate, dry cleaning agent, and component of synthetic rubber manufacturing.
Chloroform was previously used as an anesthetic, but inhaling, ingesting, or absorbing it can cause illness.
Designations and Grades
| Property | Value | ||
|---|---|---|---|
CAS Number | 67-66-3 | ||
MDL Number | MFCD00000826 | ||
RIDAD/UN Number | 1888 | ||
Beilstein Registry | 1731042 | ||
EG/EC Number | 200-663-8 | ||
NSC Number | 77361 | ||
ICSC Number | 0027 | ||
RTECS Number | FS9100000 |
Grades
ACS/ACS Reagent/Certified ACS
Biotechnology/Molecular Biology
Dry/Extra Dry/Molecular Sieve
Environmental
GC/Pesticide Residue
HPLC/UHPLC
Laboratory/Technical
Spectrophotometry
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