Chloroform Formula - Derivation, Properties

A known chemist called Samuel Guthrie 1831 prepared chloroform formula, also known as trichloromethane and methyl trichloride. As a solvent, chloroform is helpful since it helps different substances dissolve. For the preparation of chlorofluorocarbons, it is used.

According to medical science, chronic exposure to chloroform can cause dizziness, fatigue, drowsiness, and memory impairment. Chloroform is made by substituting three chlorine atoms for three hydrogen atoms in methane molecules.

What is Chloroform?

An organic compound with the formula CHCl3, chloroform is a volatile and colorless liquid derived from trichloromethane. It has a smell similar to ether and is a volatile and colourless liquid. In addition to seaweed, it is believed that fungi produce chloroform in the soil, so it is a natural source of the drug.

Derivation of Chloroform Formula

Chloroform is a compound with a chemical formula CHCl3. Furthermore, the compound has a molar mass of 119.37 grams per gram. Furthermore, chloroform has a tetrahedral structure that occurs to be similar to that of methane in which three hydrogen atoms are substituted with three chloride atoms to form a tetrahedral structure.

Also Check - Urethane Formula

Properties of Chloroform Formula

Physical Properties of Chloroform

Physical properties of chloroform include:

• The liquid has a sweet smell and is colourless.
• Despite being rationally insoluble in water, it dissolves in organic solvents such as alcohol and ether.
• Although it is non-ignitable, its vapours may burn with a green flame.
• When exposed to air, it evaporates very quickly.
• There is an ethereal smell to chloroform, and it is colorless. As well as having a density of 1.49 grams per cubic meter, chloroform also has a melting point of -63.5 oC. 44
• Also, it has a boiling point of 61.15 oC and is slightly soluble in water. It is also soluble in ditethylether, carbon tetrachloride, and benzene.

Also Check - Calcium Bromide Formula

Chemical Properties of Chloroform

Due to the presence of three chlorine atoms (with high electronegativity), chloroform is a nonpolar solvent. Furthermore, chloroform is a low reactive solvent, so it can be used as a solvent in various organic chemistry reactions.

The chemical properties of chloroform are as follows:

• Chloroform and acetone react explosively in alkaline media.
• As chloroform reacts with bases like NaOH, sodium acetate and water are formed.
• A mixture of CHCl3 + 4NaOH  + 3NaCl  + 2H2O
• In the air, chloroform breaks down at a fast rate, producing toxic products such as phosgene and hydrogen chloride.
• It directly affects the central nervous system in humans.

Also Check - Acetylene Formula

Preparation of Chloroform

A paste of chlorinated lime is heated with ethanol to produce chloroform in the laboratory. This is called the haloalkane reaction.

Step 1 : CaOCl2(bleaching powder) + H2O→Cl2 + Ca(OH)2

Step 2 :First, chlorine oxidizes alcohol into aldehyde, and then chlorinates aldehyde into trichloroacetaldehyde (chloral).

C2H5OH(ethanol) +  Cl2→ CH3CHO(ethanal)  + 2HCl

CH3CHO(ethanal) + 3Cl2→ CCl3CHO(chloral)+ 3HCl

Step 3: Chloral thus formed is hydrolyzed by calcium hydroxide to give chloroform.

Ca(OH)2  + 2CCl3CHO → 2CHCl3 (chloroform)  + (HCOO)2Ca

Industrial Methodology

A mixture of ethyl alcohol, acetone, water, and bleaching powder can be heated to produce large quantities of chloroform, just as in a laboratory. To make carbon tetrachloride more plentiful, iron powder and water vapour are used to reduce it to a partial form.

3Fe  +  H2O  →   Fe3O4   +   8H

CCl4 + 2H     →   CHCl3    +  HCl

A mixture of chloral hydrate and a concentrated solution of NaOH or KOH is distilled to obtain pure chloroform.

NaOH  + CCl3CH(OH)2 → CHCl3  + HCOONa  + H2O

Uses of Chloroform

• By adding 30% ether to chloroform, it has been used as an anaesthetic in surgery for many years.
• The solvent can be used to dissolve wax, fat, rubber, etc.
• In the laboratory, it is used as a solvent and chemical agent.
• Among its uses are the manufacture of chlorine, chloropicrin, and other chemicals.
• As a reference or background, the spectrum of pure chloroform is useful.