Chloroform is a colorless, volatile liquid derivative of trichloromethane with an odor similar to diethyl ether. Chloroform, formerly used as an inhalation anesthetic in surgery, is now mainly used in industry as a solvent and in the production of the refrigerant Freon. Acute chloroform poisoning can lead to impaired liver function, arrhythmias, nausea, and central nervous system dysfunction. As a by-product of chlorination of water, chloroform can be found in a small amount in chlorinated water. (NCI04)
Chloroform is a colorless liquid, pleasant smell, non - irritating, slightly sweet taste. It burns only when it reaches a very high temperature. In the past, chloroform was used as an inhalation anesthetic during surgery, but it is no longer used in this way. Today, chloroform is used to make other chemicals and can form small amounts of chloroform when chlorine is added to water. Other names for chloroform are trichloromethane and chloroform.
Chloroform is a clear colorless liquid with a distinctive odor. Higher density than water (12.3 lb/gal), slightly soluble in water. So it sinks in the water. Non-flammable under most conditions, but combustible under extreme conditions. May cause disease by inhalation, skin absorption or ingestion. Used as a solvent, in the manufacture of other chemicals, as a fumigant.
Chloroform (CHCl3), also known as trichloromethane, is a nonflammable, transparent, colorless liquid that is denser than water and has a pleasant ether odor. It was first prepared in 1831. It was first used as an anaesthetic in 1847 by Sir James Simpson, a Scottish physician at the University of Edinburgh. It came to public attention in 1853 when a British doctor, John Snow, administered it to Queen Victoria at the birth of her eighth child, Prince Leopold.
Chloroform has a relatively narrow range of safety and has been replaced by better inhaled anesthetics. In addition, it is believed to be toxic to the liver and kidneys and may lead to liver cancer. Chloroform was once widely used as a solvent, but safety and environmental concerns have also reduced its use. However, chloroform remains an important industrial chemical.
Chloroform is made by chlorination of methane. The main use of chloroform is the preparation of chlorofluorocarbon (HCFC-22). The United States plans to end production of HCFC-22, which contributes to ozone depletion, by 2020. Chloroform production is expected to decrease significantly as production of CFC-22 is phased out.
Chloroform is formed when chlorine reacts with organic substances in the water, so it can be found in drinking water that has been chlorinated. The Environmental Protection Agency's limit for chloroform pollution is 80 parts per billion (ppb); A typical municipal water supply contains about 50 ppb.
