Chloroform (trichloromethane): Overview
Description
Chloroform is primarily used in the production of refrigerants (e.g. chlorofluorocarbon (CFC)-22, fluorocarbon-22), in the production of plastics (especially vinyl chloride) and in the manufacture of other chemicals. Chloroform is used as an extraction solvent for fats, oils, greases, rubber, waxes, gutta-percha, resins, lacquers, floor polishes, artificial silk manufacture, gums and adhesives. It is utilised as an industrial solvent in the extraction and purification of some antibiotics, alkaloids, vitamins and flavours. It is used as a solvent in organic chemistry, in photography and in making dyes, drugs and pesticides. Other uses are as a dry cleaning agent to remove spots, as a fumigant and in fire extinguishers to lower the freezing temperature of carbon tetrachloride. Chloroform formulated with other ingredients is used to control screw worm in animals. Chloroform is steadily being replaced by less toxic solvents and may no longer be used in some of these applications. Its use as an inhaled anaesthetic during surgery has already been largely discontinued.
Substance details
Substance name: Chloroform (trichloromethane)
CASR number: 67-66-3
Molecular formula: CHCl3
Synonyms: Trichloromethane, methyl trichloride, methane trichloride, formyl trichloride, methenyl trichloride, trichloroform, TCM, Freon 20, Refrigerant R20
Physical properties
Chloroform is a clear, colourless, volatile, non-flammable liquid with a pleasant, sweet odour which is detectable at ppm levels.
Melting Point: 64°C
Boiling Point: 62°C
Specific Gravity: 1.50
Vapour Density: 4.1
Fire may cause closed chloroform containers to explode.
Chemical properties
Chloroform is slightly soluble in water. It is miscible with alcohol, benzene, petroleum ether, carbon tetrachloride, carbon disulfide and oils. Chloroform reacts vigorously with strong caustics, strong oxidants, chemically active metals such as aluminium, lithium, magnesium, sodium or potassium, and acetone, causing fire and explosion hazards. It can attack plastic, rubber and coatings. Chloroform decomposes slowly under the influence of light and air. It also decomposes on contact with hot surfaces, flames or fire, forming irritating and toxic fumes which consist of hydrogen chloride, phosgene and chlorine.
Further information
The National Pollutant Inventory (NPI) holds data for all sources of chloroform emissions in Australia.
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