Chloroform

Also Known as Trichloromethane 

Category: Halogenated Solvent / Laboratory Reagent / Industrial Chemical 

Description: 

Chloroform (Trichloromethane, CHCl₃) is a clear, colorless, heavy, and volatile liquid with a sweet, characteristic odor. It is a non-flammable halogenated solvent widely used in pharmaceutical synthesis, extraction, and laboratory applications. Due to its excellent solvency power for alkaloids, fats, waxes, resins, and rubber, chloroform remains an essential chemical intermediate and solvent in industrial processes, though its handling requires strict safety measures due to toxicity and volatility. 

Applications: 

1. Pharmaceutical & Chemical Industry Used as a solvent and reagent in pharmaceutical synthesis. Serves as a medium for organic reactions, especially in chlorination and alkaloid extraction. 

2. Laboratory Use Commonly used as an analytical reagent and solvent in extraction processes (e.g., chloroform–methanol extraction). Employed in DNA/RNA extraction protocols in research laboratories. 

3. Industrial Solvent Utilized for wax, grease, and resin removal in industrial cleaning. Acts as a solvent for rubber, oils, and cellulose esters. 

4. Refrigerant Intermediate Used in the manufacture of HCFC-22 (Chlorodifluoromethane) and other fluorocarbons. 

Technical Details: 

Chemical Name - Trichloromethane 

Chemical Formula - CHCl₃ 

Molecular Weight - 119.38 g/mol 

Appearance - Clear, colorless liquid 

Odor - Sweet, ether-like 

Purity - ≥ 99.0% 

Boiling Point - 61 – 62 °C 

Flash Point - Non-flammable 

Auto Ignition Temperature - 982 °C 

Density (at 25 °C) - 1.48 – 1.50 g/cm³ 

Vapor Pressure (at 20 °C) - ~160 mmHg 

Solubility - Slightly soluble in water; miscible with most organic solvents 

pH (in water) - Neutral 

Stability - Decomposes on exposure to light or air; store with stabilizer 

Packaging: 

250 kg HDPE Drums 

300 kg Steel Drums (lined) 

Bulk Tanker Loads 

Custom packaging available for export 

Storage & Handling: Store in a cool, dry, and dark area, away from direct sunlight, heat, and incompatible substances (e.g., alkalis, strong oxidizers). Use airtight containers with stabilizer (ethanol or amylene). Handle with care in well-ventilated areas using proper PPE.