Question

What precautions are necessary to be taken for the safe storage of chloroform?

Answer 1

To ensure the safe storage of chloroform, the following precautions should be taken to prevent oxidation.

1. Chloroform must be stored in dark-coloured bottles to protect it from sunlight. Dark-coloured bottles obstruct light and protect chloroform with oxidation.
2. The bottles containing chloroform must be filled to the brim and stoppered tightly to avoid the presence of air inside the bottle.
3. A small amount of ethanol (0.6-1%) must be included into chloroform during the packing process.
4. Ethanol reacts with phosgene, if present, transforming it into the non-toxic compound diethyl carbonate.