Chloroform

Chloroform has several laboratory uses, primarily as a solvent. Some common applications include:

1. Extraction: Chloroform is often used to extract compounds from mixtures due to its ability to dissolve a wide range of organic substances.
2. Purification: It’s used in purification processes, such as recrystallization, where impurities can be removed by dissolving the desired compound in chloroform and then allowing it to crystallize out.
3. Analytical Chemistry: Chloroform can be used as a solvent in various analytical techniques, including chromatography and spectroscopy.
4. Reaction Medium: It serves as a reaction medium for certain chemical reactions, particularly those involving organic compounds.
5. Preservation: In some cases, chloroform is used to preserve biological samples for analysis, although this use is less common now due to its toxicity and potential health risks.