Trichloronitromethane

Chloropicrin is a colorless to faint-yellow oily liquid with an intensely irritating and sharp odor with characteristics of tear gas. Some common trade names of products containing chloropicrin include Dolochlor, Aquinite, Nemax, Pic-Chlor, Timberfume, Profume A, Tri-Clor, and Microlysin. It has a molecular weight of 164.38, water solubility of 2000 mg l
1 at 25°C, and melting and boiling points of
64 and 112°C, respectively. Chloropicrin is nonflammable and has a vapor density of 5.7 compared to the vapor density of one assigned to air. Heating above 234 F results in explosive decomposition of chloropicrin, leading to the release of toxic gases, including nitrogen oxides, phosgene, nitrosyl chloride, chlorine, and carbon monoxide. Chloropicrin is a widely used fungicide that is primarily used for preplant soil fumigation. Chloropicrin is used to fumigate stored grain and to treat soil against fungi, insects, and nematodes either as a stand-alone treatment or in combination with other fumigants like methyl bromide and sulfuryl fluoride for enhanced potency. Chloropicrin is also used to prevent internal decay of wood poles and timber caused by fungi and insects.