Chemical Forums
Chemistry Forums for Students => Organic Chemistry Forum => Topic started by: kgapc on August 17, 2016, 09:11:57 AM
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Hello,
I was wondering if anyone would have any information on the stability of chloroform. When dispensing the chemical, I noticed that it would come out clear but as soon as it would hit the bottle it would turn yellow. I understand that chloroform is light sensitive and should be stored in amber bottles as opposed to clear. So I made the switch to amber, but the chloroform seems to still be yellow inside. I am wondering:
A) If this is something to worry about
B) If the chloroform can still be used in this state
C) Of any potential hazards/health risks that may come into play here
I have been unable to find much online or from the supplier, so any and all information you guys have is MUCH appreciated. Thanks for taking the time.
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Chloroform has additives to stabilize it against decomposition, but it isn't stable indefinitely. Cf: Http://en.wikipedia.org/Chloroform. Under conversion to phosgene
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Chloroform has additives to stabilize it against decomposition, but it isn't stable indefinitely. Cf: Http://en.wikipedia.org/Chloroform. Under conversion to phosgene
Thanks, so if I understand you correctly, you're saying it is in the process of creating phosgene?
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Chloroform, under oxidation, can form phosgene and in turn HCl if there is water
One of the laboratory preparation of phosgene gas is warming chloroform with acidified potassium dichromate (Jone's reagent). The gas can then be trapped by dry ice bath
Indeed, phosgene is a 2nd World War chemical weapon. Termed as "gas of light", it was initially generated by carbon monoxide and chlorine gas where light MUST be present