ABSTRACT
The first industrial processes for the production of chloroform were the reaction of chlorine on ethyl alcohol or acetaldehyde followed by treatment of the chloral formed with calcium hydroxide, and the reaction of bleaching powder on acetone. Most chloroform is produced by the chlorination of methane and methyl chloride. In order to obtain an optimum yield of chloroform, the concentration of the mixture is adjusted to give a mole ratio of 2.6:1 chlorine to methane. The principal products are methylene chloride and chloroform. The market for chloroform is the smallest of all the chlorinated methanes. Chloroform is also used in the pharmaceutical industry and for the preparation of explosive and shock-sensitive products. Chloroform vapour affects the central nervous system leading to dizziness, nausea, headache and anaesthesia. When stabilized with ethyl alcohol, chloroform develops an acidity on prolonged exposure to air and sunlight. Chloroform must not be transferred through plastic or rubber pipes or hoses.
