Trichloromethane (chloroform)

Trichloromethane  (chloroform)      CHCl3

 Trichloromethane is a trichloro derivative of methane. It is commonly called as chloroform.

Methods of preparation-

 It is prepared by the chlorination of methane in the presence of sunlight.
         Sunlight
CH4 -------------------> CH3Cl + HCl
           +Cl2


             Sunlight
CH3Cl ---------------> CH2Cl2+ HCl
                +Cl2


             Sunlight
CH2Cl2 ---------------> CHCl3+ HCl
                  +Cl2           

Properties-

(1) colourless heavy liquid

(2) sweet taste 

(3) it is oxidised in the sunlight and form a harmful gas carbonyl chloride which is commonly called as phosgene.

                    Sunlight
2CHCl3+O2 ---------> 2COCl2+HCl                                           

Phosgene is a very poisonous gas. So it is not used in the anaesthetic purpose.

Process of storage for chloroform-

(1) For the prevent from sunlight chloroform is stored in coloured bottle.
(2) for the prevent from air chloroform is fully filled in the bottle.
(3) before the storage of chloroform in the bottle it is mixed with ethanol 0.6 to 1%. Ethanol reacts with phosgene and form non poisonous diethyl carbonate.

2C2H5OH + COCl2 ------->(C2H5)2CO3  +  2HCl


Uses of chloroform-

(1) it is used as a anaesthetic but its heavy dose is very lethal.
(2) it is used as a solvent for oil,fat ,rubber,raisin etc.
(3) it is used for preparation of chloropicrin ,chloretone etc.
(4) it is used for conservation of animals in the laboratory.
(5) it is used for making medicines.
(6) it is used as a laboratory reagent in the laboratory.
(7) in the present time chloroform is used for making freon refrigerant R-22.