Chloroform

Chloroform, scientifically known as methyl trichloride (CHCl₃), is a heavy, colorless liquid produced by the action of chlorinated lime on methyl alcohol. Noted for its agreeable odor and sweetish taste, chloroform has a wide range of uses, from its implementation as an anesthetic to its role in various medical and commercial applications.

Chloroform

Overview

Chloroform is a volatile, nonflammable liquid that boils at 62 degrees Celsius and has a specific gravity at 15 degrees Celsius of 1.502. It is known to solidify in the cold. The commercial variant of chloroform, known as chloroformum venale, contains approximately 2% impurities.

Medical Uses

Chloroform has been historically used in medicine as a general anesthetic. When mixed with a large percentage of air and inhaled, it produces a state of general anesthesia. However, this usage is not without risks, as it can occasionally (around 1 in 3000 cases) cause death due to cardiac paralysis. Hence, its use has been largely replaced by safer anesthetics.

Chloroform can also be used as an antispasmodic and carminative in small doses. In larger doses, it may lead to narcosis and violent gastroenteritis. External applications of chloroform are commonly found in rubefacient and anodyne liniments. Deep injections of chloroform have been recommended for relief from sciatica.

Preparations and Derivatives

Various preparations and derivatives of chloroform are available, including:

• Alcoholized Chloroform: A mixture of chloroform and alcohol.
• Ammoniated Chloroform: Equal parts of ammonia in alcohol and chloroform; used as an antipyretic and anodyne.
• Anschutz's Chloroform: A crystalline substance which liberates pure chloroform on application of gentle heat.
• Gelatinized Chloroform: Equal parts of chloroform and white of egg shaken together.
• Chloroform Liniment: A mixture of chloroform and soap liniment.
• Spirit of Chloroform: A mixture of pure chloroform and alcohol.
• Compound Tincture of Chloroform: A mixture of chloroform, alcohol, and compound tincture of cardamom.
• Chloroform-water: A preparation of chloroform in water.

Safety and Precautions

Chloroform is a potent and volatile compound. When handling, precautions should be taken to avoid inhalation or contact with skin and eyes. Prolonged exposure or misuse can lead to harmful effects.

See Also

• Anesthetic
• Antispasmodic
• Carminative

External links

• PubChem: Chloroform