Chloroform
Chloroform (Trichloromethane) is a clear, colorless, volatile liquid with a sweet, pleasant odor. It is a widely used organic solvent with excellent solvency for many substances. Historically employed as an anesthetic, chloroform is now primarily used in laboratories and industry for extraction, degreasing, and chemical synthesis. It has moderate volatility and is heavier than air, requiring careful handling to avoid inhalation hazards. Its chemical stability and ability to dissolve fats, alkaloids, and other substances make it valuable in pharmaceutical, chemical, and industrial processes.
Chloroform
Primary UsesÂ
- Pharmaceuticals & Laboratories
- Solvent for extraction and purification of compounds in pharmaceutical manufacturing and research.
- Used in chromatographic processes and analytical chemistry for sample preparation.
- Employed as a reagent and solvent in organic synthesis reactions.
- Industrial Applications
- Used as a solvent for fats, oils, waxes, rubber, and resins.
- Degreasing agent in metal cleaning and industrial manufacturing.
- Utilized in the production of refrigerants and as a precursor in chemical manufacturing.
Secondary UsesÂ
- Historical Medical Use
- Formerly used as an inhalation anesthetic; now largely discontinued due to toxicity.
- Laboratory Research
- Used as a solvent for NMR spectroscopy sample preparation (deuterated chloroform).
1. Basic Identification Attributes
- Chemical Name (IUPAC): Trichloromethane
- Common/Trade Name: Chloroform
- CAS Number: 67-66-3
- HS Code: 2903.39.00
- Molecular Formula: CHCl₃
- Synonyms:
- Trichloromethane
- Methyl trichloride
2. Physical & Chemical Properties
- Physical State: Clear, volatile liquid
- Color & Odor: Colorless; sweet, ether-like odor
- Melting Point: -63.5°C
- Boiling Point: 61.2°C
- Density: 1.49 g/cm³ at 20°C
- Solubility: Slightly soluble in water (~0.8 g/100 mL at 20°C); miscible with organic solvents such as alcohol, ether, and benzene
- Vapor Pressure: 160 mmHg at 20°C
- Stability: Stable under normal conditions but decomposes in presence of light and oxygen producing phosgene, a toxic gas
3. Safety & Hazard Attributes
- Hazard Class (GHS): Toxic, flammable, suspected carcinogen
- NFPA Ratings:
- Health: 3
- Flammability: 1
- Reactivity: 0
- Exposure Limits: OSHA PEL = 2 ppm (8-hour TWA); NIOSH REL = 2 ppm
- Toxicity: Harmful if inhaled or absorbed; causes central nervous system depression, liver and kidney damage; possible carcinogen
- Reactivity: Stable but decomposes under light exposure to toxic phosgene
4. Storage & Handling Attributes
- Storage Conditions: Store in tightly sealed containers away from heat, light, and ignition sources; preferably in cool, dark storage
- Container Type: Glass or metal containers with vapor-tight seals
- Shelf Life: Indefinite if stored properly away from light and moisture
- Special Handling: Use in well-ventilated areas or fume hoods; wear PPE including respirators when necessary
5. Regulatory & Compliance Attributes
- FDA Status: Not approved for pharmaceutical use due to toxicity
- REACH Status: Registered and regulated under EU chemical safety laws
- Transportation: Classified as a hazardous material (Class 6.1 Toxic substance)
- Waste Disposal: Dispose as hazardous waste according to local regulations
6. Environmental & Health Impact
- Ecotoxicity: Toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects
- Persistence: Moderately persistent in the environment
- Bioaccumulation: Low potential for bioaccumulation
- Carcinogenicity/Mutagenicity: Classified by IARC as Group 2B (possibly carcinogenic to humans)
- Biodegradability: Slowly biodegradable
Safety Handling Precautions
- PPE: Use chemical-resistant gloves, goggles, lab coat, and respirators when handling vapors
- Handling: Avoid inhalation and skin contact; use only in well-ventilated areas or fume hoods
- Storage: Keep container sealed and stored away from heat, sparks, and sunlight
- Hygiene: Wash hands after handling; do not eat, drink, or smoke in work area
First Aid Measures
- Inhalation: Move victim to fresh air; if breathing is difficult, provide oxygen; seek medical attention immediately
- Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing; wash skin thoroughly with soap and water; seek medical attention if irritation develops
- Eye Contact: Rinse eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes; seek immediate medical care
- Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting; seek emergency medical assistance immediately
Firefighting Measures
- Fire Hazards: Combustible liquid; emits toxic gases (phosgene, hydrogen chloride) when heated or burning
- Extinguishing Media: Use dry chemical, foam, or carbon dioxide extinguishers; do not use water jet
- Special Precautions: Firefighters must wear full protective gear and self-contained breathing apparatus
- Decomposition Products: Phosgene, hydrogen chloride, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide
Related products
Anhydrous Aluminum Chloride
Anhydrous Aluminum Chloride (AlCl₃) is a white to pale yellow crystalline solid known for its strong Lewis acid properties. It is a key catalyst widely used in organic synthesis, especially in Friedel-Crafts alkylation and acylation reactions. Due to its high reactivity with moisture, it must be stored and handled under strictly anhydrous conditions. Anhydrous Aluminum Chloride also finds applications in polymerization, pharmaceuticals, and the production of dyes, pharmaceuticals, and petrochemicals.
Benzyl Alcohol
Benzyl Alcohol is an aromatic alcohol with a mild pleasant odor and clear, colorless liquid appearance. It serves as a versatile solvent, preservative, and intermediate in chemical synthesis. Benzyl Alcohol is widely used across pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, paints, coatings, and as a bacteriostatic agent in injectable drugs. Its relatively low toxicity and good solvent properties make it valuable in both industrial and consumer products.
Chloroform Extra Pure
Chloroform Extra Pure is a high-purity, colorless, and volatile liquid commonly used in laboratory environments as a solvent, reagent, and extraction medium. Due to its excellent solvency for fats, alkaloids, and other organic compounds, it plays a key role in organic synthesis, chromatography, and sample preparation. In molecular biology, it is frequently used in nucleic acid extraction protocols. The extra pure grade ensures low levels of impurities, making it suitable for analytical and research applications that demand high accuracy. It must be handled with proper ventilation, protective equipment, and stored away from light and heat to prevent decomposition and formation of toxic by-products like phosgene.
Ethyl Acetate
Ethyl Acetate is a clear, colorless, volatile organic solvent with a characteristic sweet, fruity odor reminiscent of pear drops. It is an ester formed by the condensation of ethanol and acetic acid. Known for its excellent solvency, low toxicity, and rapid evaporation rate, Ethyl Acetate is widely used as a solvent in coatings, adhesives, inks, pharmaceuticals, and chemical synthesis. It is miscible with most organic solvents and partially soluble in water. Ethyl Acetate offers high volatility, making it ideal for quick-drying formulations.
Hydrofluoric Acid
Hydrofluoric Acid is a highly corrosive aqueous solution of hydrogen fluoride gas dissolved in water. It is a colorless to pale yellow fuming liquid with a strong pungent odor. Unlike other mineral acids, HF is a weak acid chemically but uniquely reactive due to its ability to dissolve silica and glass, and penetrate tissues deeply. This makes it invaluable in numerous industrial, laboratory, and specialized applications but also highly hazardous.
Isopropyl Alcohol Tech Grade (IPA)
Isopropyl Alcohol Tech Grade is a colorless, flammable liquid with a strong, characteristic alcohol odor. It is a solution containing approximately 85% isopropanol by volume, with the remainder primarily water. This technical-grade IPA is widely used as a solvent, disinfectant, and cleaning agent in industrial, pharmaceutical, and household applications. The 85% concentration balances efficacy with safety and evaporation rate, making it versatile for various uses.
N propyl Acetate
N propyl Acetate is a clear, colorless, flammable liquid ester with a fruity odor, chemically known as propyl ethanoate. It is widely used as a solvent in coatings, inks, adhesives, and cleaning agents due to its excellent solvency and moderate evaporation rate. N-Propyl Acetate is valued for its ability to dissolve various resins and polymers, providing good film formation and gloss in paints and coatings.
Potassium Chromate
Potassium Chromate is an inorganic chemical compound and a bright yellow crystalline solid commonly used as an oxidizing agent and pigment. It serves as a source of chromate ions in various chemical, industrial, and laboratory applications. Due to its toxic and carcinogenic nature, careful handling and strict regulatory compliance are essential. Potassium Chromate is widely used in corrosion inhibition, dyeing, and chemical synthesis processes.

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