Chloroform CHCl3 | Formula, Structure, Properties, Uses

Chloroform is a trichloromethane derivative that is colorless, volatile and has an ether-like odour. It was once employed as an inhalation anesthetic during surgery, but it is now mostly utilized in the industry as a solvent and in the manufacturing of refrigerant freon.

Let's learn about Chloroform in detail, including its formula, structure, properties and uses.

What is Chloroform?

Chloroform is a colourless, volatile liquid with a sweet odour. It is a powerful anesthetic and sedative agent.

Chloroform Formula

The chemical formula for chloroform is CHCl₃. Its IUPAC name is Trichloromethane.

Other names are Methane trichloride, Methyl trichloride, Methenyl trichloride, and Methenyl chloride.

Chloroform Structure- CHCl₃

Chloroform consists of 1 carbon atom, 1 Hydrogen atom, and 3 Chlorine atoms. It is prepared from Methane (CH₄), 3 hydrogen atoms in Methane are replaced by Chlorine atoms. It is a powerful anesthetic and sedative agent.

Since the chemical formula is CHCl₃, its structure is drawn as follows:

Chloroform Preparation

Chloroform is prepared by heating a mixture of chlorine and Methane or Chloromethane as, 

CH₄ + Cl₂    ⇢    CH₃Cl + HCl

CH₃Cl + Cl₂    ⇢     CH₂ Cl₂ + HCl

Properties of Chloroform

Physical Properties of Chloroform

Chemical Properties of Chloroform

Chloroform reacts with sodium hydroxide and forms sodium acetate, sodium chloride, and water.

CHCl₃ + 4 NaOH   ⇢   NaOOCH + 3 NaCl + 2 H₂O

On oxidation of chloroform gives phosgene and hydrochloric acid.

2 CHCl₃ + O₂   ⇢   2 COCl₂ + 2 HCl

Uses of Chloroform

Here are some real-life applications of Chloroform:

• Iodine, alkaloids, lipids, and other compounds are dissolved in trichloromethane.
• Chloroform is primarily utilized in the production of the R-22 Freon refrigerant. R-22 has been phased out as a refrigerant in industrialized nations due to global warming, although it remains in high demand in underdeveloped countries due to its ease of availability and manufacture.
• Since its effects were recognized, it has been utilized as a common anesthetic during medical procedures. Due to its anesthetic properties, even criminals utilize this substance to knock out their victims.
• After the poisonous nature of this substance was identified, as well as its adverse effects on the liver, kidneys, and central nervous system, it was replaced as an anesthetic by safer alternatives.