Chloroform

From PyroGuide

Chloroform (also known as trichloromethane and methyl trichloride) is often used as a non-polar solvent. It is also used an anesthetic, however it has a higher toxicity as well as being an environmental hazard. It is more commonly found in refrigerants in today's usage

The chemical formula for Chloroform is CHCl₃ and has a molar mass of 119.38g/mol. It has a melting point of -63.5°C, a boiling point of 61.2°C, and a density of 1.48g/cm^3, liquid. It's solubility in water is 0.8g/100mL at 20°C making it insoluble in water. It's flash-point is specified as non-flammable. It is a common solvent since it's usually nonreactive and miscible with most organic liquids where it may be volatile.

Contents 1 Safety 2 Production 2.1 Inadvertent Synthesis 3 References

Safety

Chloroform Hazards: Xn, Xi. It is also a Carcinogen
NFPA 704: Blue - 2, Red - 0, Yellow - 0, White - n/a
R-Phases: R22, R38, R40, R48/20/22
S-Phases: (S2), S36/37

MSDS Chloroform

Production

Editor's note: Please note this is only an overview

Between 400 and 500°C a mixture of chlorine and chloromethane and/or methane is heated. The reaction follows:

CH₄ + Cl₂ → CH₃Cl + HCl

CH₃Cl + Cl₂ → CH₂Cl₂ + HCl

CH₂Cl + Cl₂ → CHCl₃ + HCl

Continuing the reaction we would also create

CHCl₃ + Cl₂ → CCl₄ + HCl

The reaction will contain all four types of chloromethanes and can be separated by distillation.

Inadvertent Synthesis

Sodium Hypochlorite solution is mixed with either acetone, MEK, ethanol, or isopropyl alcohol in addition to other substances. This is referred to as a haloform reaction.

References

Wikipedia - Chloroform for it's completeness of information.