Chloroform is mainly used as an industrial solvent and chemical intermediate, especially in the manufacturing of the refrigerant chlorodifluoromethane (HCFC-22), which is a precursor for polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE, best known as Teflon) and other fluoropolymers[4][3][6]. This application accounts for the majority of chloroform consumption globally.
Other notable uses include:
- As a solvent in the production of pesticides, pharmaceuticals, dyes, alkaloids, resins, fats, oils, rubber, and waxes[1][5][3][8].
- As a cleaning agent and grain fumigant[1][3].
- As a reagent in organic synthesis, where it serves as a source of dichlorocarbene, enabling various chemical transformations[2].
- In laboratory settings as a solvent, notably for NMR spectroscopy (where deuterated chloroform, CDCl3, is commonly used)[3].
- In the past, chloroform saw use in fire extinguishers, as a component in pharmaceutical products, and as a medical anesthetic, though these uses have been discontinued due to health concerns[5][4].
- In the rubber and pharmaceutical industries for extraction and purification processes[5][8].
Chloroform use as a refrigerant or in direct consumer applications is now rare or banned in many regions due to its toxicity and environmental impact[5]. Occupational exposure can occur in a range of industries, including chemical manufacturing, paper production, water treatment, and refrigerant servicing[7].
References
- [1] What Is Chloroform? | The Chemistry Blog
- [2] The Application of Dichloromethane and Chloroform as Reagents in Organic Synthesis | Wiley
- [3] Chloroform – Wikipedia
- [4] Chloroform (PDF) – Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
- [5] Chloroform: general information – GOV.UK
- [6] Toxicological Profile for Chloroform | ATSDR
- [7] Chloroform | NIOSH – CDC Archive
- [8] Health aspects of chloroform–a review – PubMed
Leave a Reply