Question

How is pure chloroform prepared?

Answer 1

To obtain pure chloroform, boil chloral hydrate [CCl₃CHO.H₂O or CH₃CH(OH)₂] with sodium hydroxide.

\[\ce{\underset{Chloral hydrate}{CCl3CHO.H2O} + NaOH -> \underset{Chloroform}{CHCl3} + \underset{Sodium formate}{HCOONa} + H2O}\]