Vestil, Niña Christene BSPH3 Toxic.

lab (W - 1:00-4:00 pm)

Experiment 2

Chloroform

Chloroform (CHCL3, trichloromethane) is a colorless liquid of aromatic odor which boils at 61.2 degrees Celsius.
Because of its hepatotoxicity, it is no longer used as a general anesthetic or anthelminthic agent. Chloroform is a direct
CNS depressant. It may potentiate cardiac arrythmias by sensitizing the myocardium to catecholamines. Hepatic and
renal toxicity is probably caused by metabolism to a high reactive intermediate, possibly a free radical or phosgene.
Chloroform is embryotoxic and an animal carcinogen.

Materials:

Test tubes with rack beaker

Test tube holder graduated cylinder

Medicine dropper water bath

Bunsen burner stirring rod

Chemicals:

Chloroform aniline

Alcoholic KOH resorcinol

NaOH solution Fehling’s A and B

Ammonium hydroxide silver nitrate

Procedure:

1. Phenylisocyanide test:
Add 1 to 2 drops of aniline to a sample of 3 mL chloroform, then 1 mL of aqueous potassium hydroxide
solution. Gently heat the solution and note the odor.
2. Schwart’s resorcinol test:
To 3 mL of resorcinol, add a few drops of sodium hydroxide solution and chloroform. Heat the mixture to
boiling and take note of the odor.
3. Reduction test:
a. Fehling’s test
Heat 2 mL of chloroform with 2 mL of Fehling’s solution. Note the color of the precipitate produced.
b. Tollen’s test
Add 2 mL of ammonium hydroxide to silver nitrate solution to equal quantity of chloroform. Heat the
solution and note the color of the precipitate.
 Vestil, Niña Christene BSPH3 Toxic.lab (W - 1:00-4:00 pm)

Results:

Test Actual result Theoretical result Compound present

Phenylisocyanide test

The odor is often described

Schwart’s test Odor: rubber-like materials the compound present in the
as floral or sweet
mixture is resorcinol

Reduction test

reddish-brown precipitate of
Color of precipitate: no
copper(I) oxide
Fehling’s test significant color change or
(if there’s a present of the compound present is
precipitate
reducing sugars) Chloroform

Color of precipitate: black

The silver mirror will appear
Tollen’s test precipitate appears on the aldehyde or an alpha-
on the surface of the test tube
surface of the test tube hydroxy ketone

Questions:

1. What are the uses of chloroform?

Anesthetic: In the 19th and early 20th centuries, chloroform was widely used as an anesthetic during surgical
procedures. However, its use for this purpose has significantly declined due to its association with liver and respiratory
problems.

Solvent: Chloroform was commonly used as a solvent for various substances, including fats, oils, rubber, and resins. Its
use as a solvent has diminished due to its potential health hazards.

Production of refrigerants: Chloroform has been used in the past in the production of refrigerants. However, this
application has declined with the phase-out of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) due to their detrimental effects on the ozone
layer.

Laboratory reagent: Chloroform is still used in some laboratory settings as a solvent and reagent for certain chemical
reactions. However, its use is often restricted due to safety concerns.

2. Explain the physiological action of chloroform

Central Nervous System Depression: Chloroform acts as a central nervous system depressant, meaning it slows down
the activity of the brain and spinal cord.

It enhances the inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain, leading to an overall
reduction in neuronal activity.
Vestil, Niña Christene BSPH3 Toxic.lab (W - 1:00-4:00 pm)

Anesthetic Effect: The central nervous system depression induced by chloroform results in a loss of sensation and
consciousness, leading to a state of general anesthesia.

During the initial stages of inhalation, chloroform can cause excitement and euphoria before reaching a deeper
anesthetic state.

Cardiovascular Effects: Chloroform can depress the cardiovascular system, leading to a decrease in heart rate and
blood pressure.

Excessive exposure or improper administration can lead to cardiovascular collapse, which is one of the reasons for the
discontinuation of chloroform as an anesthetic.

Respiratory Depression: Chloroform can depress respiratory function, leading to a decrease in the rate and depth of
breathing.

Prolonged exposure or excessive doses can result in respiratory failure.

3. What is the average and lethal dose of chloroform?

The toxicity of chloroform varies among individuals, and factors such as age, weight, overall health, and individual
susceptibility can influence its effects. Additionally, the route of exposure (inhalation, ingestion, or dermal absorption)
plays a significant role in determining the toxicity of chloroform.

Inhalation: The average lethal concentration of chloroform in the air (LC50) for a 4-hour exposure in humans is
estimated to be around 5,000 to 15,000 parts per million (ppm).

Chloroform has a low odor threshold, and its smell can be detected at concentrations as low as 10 ppm, providing some
warning of its presence.

Ingestion: The lethal dose of chloroform when ingested is not precisely established, but it is generally considered to be
a toxic substance when taken orally.

Ingesting even small amounts can lead to adverse effects, including damage to the liver and other organs.

Dermal Exposure: Chloroform can be absorbed through the skin, but the rate of absorption is generally lower
compared to inhalation.

Chronic dermal exposure to chloroform can still pose health risks, and skin contact should be avoided.

4. What is the antidote to chloroform poisoning?

- The treatment for chloroform toxicity involves the use of antidote therapy with hydrocyanic acid and activated
charcoal therapy for the decontamination of the gastrointestinal system.
- The doctor rescues airway obstruction with endotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilator support.
- Hypotension is treated with vasopressor drugs, and intravenous fluids are given to the patient post-exposure.
- Intravenous NAC (N-acetylcysteine) is also used to treat hepatic (liver) injury due to chloroform exposure.
- Renal (kidney) failure is often treated with hemoperfusion and hemodialysis in some cases of toxicity.
- The doctor also manages other clinical symptoms with conventional treatment methods.

Chloroform toxicity and its outcomes depend on the amount of exposure, duration, and source of direction. The
chemical produces severe health hazards in animals and humans, causing fatal consequences if not treated timely.
Though treatment options are available for chloroform poisoning, proper preventive measures must be taken to prevent
occupational hazards.