Chloroform

Systematic name
1,1,1-Trichloromethan

Other names, synonyms
Trichlorocarbon; Formyl trichloride; Methane trichloride; Methenyl trichloride

INCI name
CHLOROFORM

Trade names; preparations
R-20; TCM; Freon 20; Refrigerant-20

CHCl₃

M_r = 119.369 g/mol

1,1,1-Trichloromethan
SMILES: C(Cl)(Cl)Cl

In its pure state, chloroform is a colorless, volatile, very poorly water-soluble, non-flammable liquid that boils at around 61 °C. The odor of the chemical is described as having a characteristic sweetish smell and a characteristically sweet smell. The ability to perceive smells tires very quickly. The odor threshold is 205 - 307 ppm. The chemical decomposes at normal temperatures in sunlight in the absence of air and in the dark in the presence of air; as a stabilizer, z. B. 2-methyl-2-butene added (0.001 - 0.015%) or ethanol added. When heated to decompose, toxic phosgene gas as well as chlorine, hydrogen chloride, carbon monoxide (CO) and others can form. Some types of plastics, rubber and coatings are attacked by chloroform. The relative evaporation rate (butyl acetate = 1) is 11.6.

In NMR spectroscopy and for research applications, deuterated chloroform is often used as a proton-free solvent - see: chloroform-d.

Chloroform is the most abundant halocarbon in the atmosphere - and the chemical is not only of anthropogenic origin, but also comes from natural sources. Many species of algae produce chloroform, and fungi are also thought to biosynthesize chloroform in the soil. In addition, abiotic processes in the soil may also contribute to natural chloroform emissions, although the mechanism is still unclear.

The total global flux of chloroform through the environment is estimated at about 660,000 tonnes per year.

ATC Code:
N01AB02

Chloroform is a powerful general anesthetic that also has euphoric, anti-anxiety, and sedative effects when inhaled or ingested.

For detailed information on the active ingredient, see: DrugBank DB11387, NCI Thesaurus C29815.

INCI Name: CHLOROFORM

Ingredient of cosmetic products banned in the EU, also in its function as a solvent.

Source: CosIng (Cosmetic Ingredient Database) number: 84482.

Signal word: Danger

GHS hazard statements (H phrases):

Safety instructions: P201, P202, P260, P264, P270, P271, P280, P281, P301+330+331, P310, P302+352, P304+340, P311, P305+351+338, P308+313, P314, P332+ 313, P337+313, P362, P403+233, P235, P405, P501.

Chloroform is classified as moderately toxic. The probable oral lethal dose for humans is 0.5 to 5 g/kg for a 70 kilogram person. The average lethal dose is probably around 44 g of ingested substance, which is also considered a human carcinogen.

LD50 (mouse, dermal): 704 mg/kg.

Labeling in the EU: See ECHA Substance Infocard 100.000.603.

WHO IARC group 2B: Possibly carcinogenic to humans! See there under monograph Sup 7, 73, (1999).

For toxicology and occupational safety when handling Chloroform as well as measures to be taken in case of danger, see: Hazardous Substances Information System GESTIS, ZVG-Nr. 012870.

International Chemical Safety Card ICSC (SDS, MSDS): See ICSC: 0027.

Note: The labeling requirement according to the CLP Regulation (EU) does not apply, among other things, to certain substances and mixtures for end users that are in the form of finished products, such as pharmaceuticals, veterinary drugs, cosmetics, certain medical products and medical devices, food or feed, as well as certain Food additives or flavorings. Special legal regulations may need to be adhered to here.