CHCl3

Chloroform, CHCl3, also known as trichloromethane, is a colorless, dense, volatile liquid with a characteristic sweet odor. It has a boiling point of 61.15 °C and a melting point of -63.5 °C. Its molecular weight is 119.38 g/mol. It is moderately soluble in water and miscible with many organic solvents.

In its structure, carbon is tetrahedrally coordinated to three chlorine atoms and one hydrogen. It is primarily derived industrially from chlorinated methane derivatives and is produced as a byproduct in some chlorination processes.

Historically, chloroform was used as an inhalational anesthetic, but its use has declined due to toxicity and carcinogenic risks. Today it is mainly used as a laboratory and industrial solvent and as an intermediate in chemical synthesis; it remains a solvent for fats, alkaloids, and certain natural products.

Safety and regulation: Chloroform is toxic if inhaled, ingested, or absorbed through the skin, and prolonged exposure can damage the liver and kidneys. It is also classified as possibly carcinogenic to humans by IARC. It should be handled in a well-ventilated area with appropriate containment; containers should be kept tightly closed. Chloroform can decompose under heat or light to generate phosgene, a highly toxic gas, so handling requires caution and proper storage conditions.

Environmental and regulatory context: Its use is regulated in many jurisdictions, and alternatives have largely replaced chloroform in many applications. It is subject to occupational exposure limits and hazardous waste disposal rules.