Chloroform is a noncombustible, clear, colorless liquid with a pleasant, sweet odor. The Odor Threshold
is 12 ppm.
ChEBI: Chloroform is a one-carbon compound that is methane in which three of the hydrogens are replaced by chlorines. It has a role as an inhalation anaesthetic, a non-polar solvent, a carcinogenic agent, a central nervous system drug and a refrigerant. It is a one-carbon compound and a member of chloromethanes.
Chloroform was one of the earliest
general anesthetics, but its use for this purpose has been
abandoned because of toxic effects. Chloroform is widelyused as a solvent (especially in the lacquer industry); in the
extraction and purification of penicillin and other pharmaceuticals; in the manufacture of artificial silk, propellents,
plastics, floor polishes, and fluorocarbons (R-22); and in
sterilization of catgut. Chemists and support workers as
well as hospital workers are believed to be at a higher risk
than the general population. Chloroform is widely distributed in the atmosphere and water (including municipal
drinking water primarily as a consequence of chlorination).
A survey of 80 American cities by EPA found chloroform
in every water system in levels ranging from ,0.3 to
311 ppb.
UN1888 Chloroform, Hazard Class: 6.1; Labels:
6.1-Poisonous materials.
Though nonflammable, chloroform
decomposes to form hydrogen chloride, phosgene, and
chlorine upon contact with a flame. Chloroform decomposes slowly in air and light. Reacts violently with strong
caustics (bases), strong oxidants, chemically active metals
(especially powders), such as aluminum, lithium, magnesium, potassium, and sodium, causing fire and explosion
hazard. Attacks plastic, rubber, and coatings. Corrodes iron
and other metals in the presence of moisture.
Incineration, preferably after
mixing with another combustible fuel. Care must be exercised to assure complete combustion to prevent the formation of phosgene. An acid scrubber is necessary to remove
the halo acids produced.
Where possible it should be recovered, purified by distillation, and returned to the supplier.
