Chloroform

1Identification

Name

Chloroform

IUPAC name

chloroform

CAS number

67-66-3

EC number

200-663-8

Molecular formula

CHCl3

Molecular weight

119.37 g/mol

InChIKey

HEDRZPFGACZZDS-UHFFFAOYSA-N

SMILES

C(Cl)(Cl)Cl

PubChem CID

6212

Synonyms

Trichloromethane, Trichlormethan, Trichloroform, Formyl trichloride, Methane, trichloro-, Methenyl trichloride, Methyl trichloride, Methane trichloride, Chloroforme, CHCl3, R 20 (Refrigerant), Triclorometano, Cloroformio, Trichloormethaan

Recommended uses

• The vast majority of the chloroform produced in the United States is used to make HCFC-22. The rest is produced for export and for miscellaneous uses.
  EPA Hazardous Air Pollutants
• Has been used mainly for extraction and spot cleaning; [LaDou, p. 552] Used mainly in production of chlorodifluoromethane; [CHEMINFO] Uses have included dry cleaning agent and solvent for resins, plasticizers, rubber chemicals, and flavors; [HSDB]
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
• No longer used as a fumigant in the U.S. [EPA Pesticides]
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
• Laboratory chemicals Intermediate Not Known or Reasonably Ascertainable Solvent
  EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)

Use categories: Chemical Classes -> Volatile organic compounds · Food Additives -> EXTRACTION_SOLVENT -> JECFA Functional Classes

Description

• Chloroform is a colorless liquid with a pleasant, nonirritating odor and a slightly sweet taste. It will burn only when it reaches very high temperatures. In the past, chloroform was used as an inhaled anesthetic during surgery, but it isn't used that way today. Today, chloroform is used to make other chemicals and can also be formed in small amounts when chlorine is added to water. Other names for chloroform aretrichloromethaneandmethyl trichloride.
  Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR)
• Chloroform can cause cancer and developmental toxicity according to an independent committee of scientific and health experts.
  California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA)
• Chloroform appears as a clear colorless liquid with a characteristic odor. Denser (12.3 lb / gal) than water and slightly soluble in water. Hence sinks in water. Nonflammable under most conditions, but burns under extreme conditions. May cause illness by inhalation, skin absorption or ingestion. Used as a solvent, to make other chemicals, as a fumigant.
  CAMEO Chemicals

2Hazard identification

Signal word

Danger

Pictograms

GHS06, GHS08

Classification source

Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council

Precautionary statements

Other reported classifications

9 classification records exist across sources. Differences usually reflect purity, physical form or impurities.

Health hazards

• It is classified as moderately toxic. Probable oral lethal dose for humans is 0.5 to 5 g/kg (between 1 ounce and 1 pint) for a 150 lb. person. The mean lethal dose is probably near 1 fluid ounce (44 g). It is a human suspected carcinogen. Also, it is a central nervous system depressant and a gastrointestinal irritant. It has caused rapid death attributable to cardiac arrest and delayed death from liver and kidney damage. (EPA, 1998)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• · Highly toxic, may be fatal if inhaled, ingested or absorbed through skin. · Avoid any skin contact. · Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. · Runoff from fire control or dilution water may be corrosive and/or toxic and cause environmental contamination.
  Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)

Fire hazards

• Container may explode in the heat of fire. When heated it liberates phosgene, hydrogen chloride, chlorine and toxic and corrosive oxides of carbon and chlorine. Chloroform explodes when in contact with aluminum powder or magnesium powder or with alkali metals (e.g., lithium, sodium, and potassium) and dinitrogen tetroxide. It reacts vigorously with acetone in the presence of potassium hydroxide or calcium hydroxide. It is oxidized by strong oxidizers such as chromic acid forming phosgene and chlorine. It reacts vigorously with triisopropylphosphine. It develops acidity from prolonged exposure to air and light. (EPA, 1998)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• · Non-combustible, substance itself does not burn but may decompose upon heating to produce corrosive and/or toxic fumes. · Containers may explode when heated. · Runoff may pollute waterways.
  Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)
• Not combustible. Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire. Risk of fire and explosion on contact with incompatible substances. See Chemical Dangers.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

Hazards summary

• Chloroform is a colorless liquid with a pleasant, nonirritating odor and a slightly sweet taste. It will burn only when it reaches very high temperatures. In the past, chloroform was used as an inhaled anesthetic during surgery, but it isn't used that way today. Today, chloroform is used to make other chemicals and can also be formed in small amounts when chlorine is added to water. Other names for chloroform aretrichloromethaneandmethyl trichloride.
  Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR)
• Chloroform may be released to the air as a result of its formation in the chlorination of drinking water, wastewater and swimming pools. Other sources include pulp and paper mills, hazardous waste sites, and sanitary landfills. The major effect from acute (short-term) inhalation exposure to chloroform is central nervous system depression. Chronic (long-term) exposure to chloroform by inhalation in humans has resulted in effects on the liver, including hepatitis and jaundice, and central nervous system effects, such as depression and irritability. Chloroform has been shown to be carcinogenic in animals after oral exposure, resulting in an increase in kidney and liver tumors.
  EPA Hazardous Air Pollutants

3Composition / information on ingredients

This page describes the pure substance. Commercial products may be solutions or mixtures. Check Section 3 of your supplier's SDS for concentrations and other ingredients.

4First-aid measures

• Signs and Symptoms of Chloroform Exposure: Signs and symptoms of acute exposure to chloroform vapor may include conjunctivitis and blepharospasm (twitching of the eyelid). Burning pain and corneal epithelium injury may occur from chloroform liquid splashed in the eye. Acute exposure may also lead to respiratory depression, chemical pneumonitis, pulmonary edema, metabolic acidosis, central nervous system depression, headache, fatigue, and dizziness. Gastrointestinal signs and symptoms include nausea, vomiting, salivation, anorexia, and gastrointestinal irritation. Cardiac arrhythmias and cardiac arrest have been reported.
  CAMEO Chemicals
• General First Aid: · Call 911 or emergency medical service. · Ensure that medical personnel are aware of the material(s) involved, take precautions to protect themselves and avoid contamination. · Move victim to fresh air if it can be done safely. · Administer oxygen if breathing is difficult. · If victim is not breathing: -- DO NOT perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation; the victim may have ingested or inhaled the substance. -- If equipped and pulse detected, wash face and mouth, then give artificial respiration using a proper respiratory medical device (bag-valve mask, pocket mask equipped with a one-way valve or other device).
  Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)
• (General first aid procedures) Eye: Irrigate immediately - If this chemical contacts the eyes, immediately wash (irrigate) the eyes with large amounts of water, occasionally lifting the lower and upper lids. Get medical attention immediately. Skin: Soap wash promptly - If this chemical contacts the skin, promptly wash the contaminated skin with soap and water. If this chemical penetrates the clothing, promptly remove the clothing and wash the skin with soap and water. Get medical attention promptly. Breathing: Respiratory support Swallow: Medical attention immediately - If this chemical has been swallowed, get medical attention immediately.
  The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

Symptoms of exposure

• Cough. Shortness of breath. Dizziness. Drowsiness. Headache. Nausea. Unconsciousness.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• MAY BE ABSORBED! Redness. Pain. Dry skin.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Redness. Pain.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

5Fire-fighting measures

• Suitable extinguishing media: Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide. Advice for firefighters: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus for firefighting if necessary.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Use water spray to keep fire-exposed containers cool. Extinguish fire using agent suitable for surrounding fire.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

6Accidental release measures

Isolation and evacuation

• Excerpt from ERG Guide 151 [Substances - Toxic (Non-Combustible)]: IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids. SPILL: Increase the immediate precautionary measure distance, in the downwind direction, as necessary. FIRE: If tank, rail tank car or highway tank is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2024)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Immediate precautionary measure · Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids. Spill · For highlighted materials: see Table 1 - Initial Isolation and Protective Action Distances. · For non-highlighted materials: increase the immediate precautionary measure distance, in the downwind direction, as necessary. Fire · If tank, rail tank car or highway tank is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions.
  Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)

Spill cleanup

• Evacuate danger area! Consult an expert! Personal protection: complete protective clothing including self-contained breathing apparatus. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment. Collect leaking liquid in sealable containers. Absorb remaining liquid in sand or inert absorbent. Then store and dispose of according to local regulations.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• 1. Ventilate area of spill or leak. 2. Collect for reclamation or absorb in vermiculite, dry sand, earth, or a similar material.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Do not touch spilled material. Use water spray to reduce vapors. For small spills, take up with absorbent material then flush area with water. For large spills, dike far ahead.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• PRECAUTIONS FOR "CARCINOGENS": A high-efficiency particulate arrestor (HEPA) or charcoal filters can be used to minimize amt of carcinogen in exhausted air ventilated safety cabinets, lab hoods, glove boxes or animal rooms ... Filter housing that is designed so that used filters can be transferred into plastic bag without contaminating maintenance staff is avail commercially. Filters should be placed in plastic bags immediately after removal. ... The plastic bag should be sealed immediately. ... The sealed bag should be labelled properly ... Waste liquids ... should be placed or collected in proper containers for disposal. The lid should be secured & the bottles properly labelled.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

7Handling and storage

• Store only in original container. Separated from food and feedstuffs and incompatible materials. See Chemical Dangers. Ventilation along the floor. Store in an area without drain or sewer access.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Keep in tightly closed containers; storage code: LI
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated location. Separate from strong alkalis and strong mineral acids.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Glass containers should be dark green or amber. Technical-grade chloroform can be stored in lead-lined or mild steel containers of all-welded construction. When storage vessels are made of unlined steel, precautions are needed to prevent the entry of moisture.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

8Exposure controls / personal protection

Personal protective equipment

• Excerpt from NIOSH Pocket Guide for Chloroform: Skin: PREVENT SKIN CONTACT - Wear appropriate personal protective clothing to prevent skin contact. Eyes: PREVENT EYE CONTACT - Wear appropriate eye protection to prevent eye contact. Wash skin: WHEN CONTAMINATED - The worker should immediately wash the skin when it becomes contaminated. Remove: WHEN WET OR CONTAMINATED - Work clothing that becomes wet or significantly contaminated should be removed and replaced. Change: No recommendation is made specifying the need for the worker to change clothing after the workshift.
  CAMEO Chemicals
• When handling /chloroform/, use safety glasses, self-contained breathing apparatus, protective clothing. Note: Polyvinyl chloride and rubber are unsuitable materials for protective clothing.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• PRECAUTIONS FOR "CARCINOGENS": ... Dispensers of liq detergent /should be available./ ... Safety pipettes should be used for all pipetting. ... In animal laboratory, personnel should ... wear protective suits (preferably disposable, one-piece & close-fitting at ankles & wrists), gloves, hair covering & overshoes. ... In chemical laboratory, gloves & gowns should always be worn ... however, gloves should not be assumed to provide full protection. Carefully fitted masks or respirators may be necessary when working with particulates or gases, & disposable plastic aprons might provide addnl protection. ... Gowns ...
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Personnel protection: ... Wear appropriate chemical protective gloves, boots and goggles.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Respirator recommendations

• NIOSH At concentrations above the NIOSH REL, or where there is no REL, at any detectable concentration: (APF = 10,000) Any self-contained breathing apparatus that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode (APF = 10,000) Any supplied-air respirator that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode in combination with an auxiliary self-contained positive-pressure breathing apparatus Escape: (APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator (gas mask) with a chin-style, front- or back-mounted organic vapor canister Any appropriate escape-type, self-contained breathing apparatus Important additiona…
  The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

9Physical and chemical properties

10Stability and reactivity

Reactivity

• A mixture of acetone and CHLOROFORM in a residue bottle exploded. Since addition of acetone to chloroform in the presence of base will result in a highly exothermic reaction, it is thought that a base was in the bottle. [MCA Case History 1661(1970)]. Powdered aluminum and carbon tetrachloride (also methyl chloride and chloroform or mixtures of these chemicals) exploded when heated (to 153 °C) and by impact, [Chem. Eng. News 32:258(1954); UL Bull. Research 34 (1945), ASESB Pot. Incid. 39(1968)]. An inadequately cooled addition of sodium to a chloroform-methanol mixture (sodium methoxide) caused a violent explosion, [MCA Case History No. 693].
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Slightly soluble in water. Dissolves in water to form a corrosive solution of hypochlorous acid which decomposes on standing to chlorine, oxygen, and chloric acid.
  CAMEO Chemicals

Incompatible materials and hazardous reactions

• Mixtures with dinitrogen tetraoxide are explosive when subjected to shock of 25 g TNT equiv or less.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Chloroform and acetone interact vigorously & exothermally in presence of solid potassium hydroxide or calcium hydroxide to form 1,1,1-trichloro-2-hydroxy-2-methylpropane. A laboratory incident involving the bursting of a solvent residues bottle was attributed to this reaction.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Heating aluminum powder with carbon tetrachloride-chloroform mixtures in closed systems to 152 °C may cause an explosion, particularly if traces of aluminum chloride are present.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Chemical stability

• Decomposes at ordinary temp in sunlight in the absence of air, and in the dark in the presence of air.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

11Toxicological information

Target organs

• Cancer, Dermal (Skin), Hepatic (Liver), Neurological (Nervous System), Renal (Urinary System or Kidneys)
  Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR)
• Hepatic
  EPA Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS)

Short-term exposure effects

• The substance is irritating to the eyes and skin. The substance may cause effects on the central nervous system. This may result in central nervous system disorders and depression. The substance may cause effects on the liver and kidneys at high concentrations. This may result in liver impairment and kidney damage. The effects may be delayed. Medical observation is indicated.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

Long-term exposure effects

• The substance defats the skin, which may cause dryness or cracking. The substance may have effects on the nasal passage. This may result in tissue lesions. The substance may have effects on the central nervous system, liver and kidneys. This may result in impaired functions. This substance is possibly carcinogenic to humans. Animal tests show that this substance possibly causes toxicity to human reproduction or development.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

12Ecological information

Not available in the public sources we compile. Check Section 12 of the supplier's SDS.

13Disposal considerations

• Generators of waste (equal to or greater than 100 kg/mo) containing this contaminant, EPA hazardous waste number U044 and D022, must conform with USEPA regulations in storage, transportation, treatment and disposal of waste.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• SRP: Wastewater from contaminant suppression, cleaning of protective clothing/equipment, or contaminated sites should be contained and evaluated for subject chemical or decomposition product concentrations. Concentrations shall be lower than applicable environmental discharge or disposal criteria. Alternatively, pretreatment and/or discharge to a permitted wastewater treatment facility is acceptable only after review by the governing authority and assurance that "pass through" violations will not occur. Due consideration shall be given to remediation worker exposure (inhalation, dermal and ingestion) as well as fate during treatment, transfer and disposal.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Group I Containers: Combustible containers from organic or metallo-organic pesticides (except organic mercury, lead, cadmium, or arsenic compounds) should be disposed of in pesticide incinerators or in specified landfill sites. /Organic or metallo-organic pesticides/ product, or to a drum reconditioner for reuse with the same type of pesticide product, if such reuse is legal under Department of Transportation regulations (eg 49 CFR 173.28). Containers that are not to be reused should be punctured ... and transported to a scrap metal facility for recycling, disposal or burial in a designated landfill. /Organic or metallo-organic pesticides/
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

14Transport information

UN number: UN 1888

Shipping name

• UN 1888; Chloroform
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• IMO 6.1; Chloroform.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

DOT hazard class

• Chloroform
  US Code of Federal Regulations, Hazardous Materials, 49 CFR Part 172
• UN1888
  US Code of Federal Regulations, Hazardous Materials, 49 CFR Part 172
• Div 6.1 Poisonous materials (49 eCFR § 173.132)
  US Code of Federal Regulations, Hazardous Materials, 49 CFR Part 172

DOT label

• Poison
  CAMEO Chemicals

UN classification

• UN Hazard Class: 6.1; UN Pack Group: III
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

Emergency Response Guidebook

• 1888 151
  Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)

How DOT hazard classes work →

15Regulatory information

• This action promulgates standards of performance for equipment leaks of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) in the Synthetic Organic Chemical Manufacturing Industry (SOCMI). The intended effect of these standards is to require all newly constructed, modified, and reconstructed SOCMI process units to use the best demonstrated system of continuous emission reduction for equipment leaks of VOC, considering costs, non air quality health and environmental impact and energy requirements. Chloroform is produced, as an intermediate or a final product, by process units covered under this subpart.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Based on the consumption of 2 L of drinking water and consumption of 6.5 g of fish and shellfish, the corresponding cancer risk levels and criteria are 1X10-7: 0.019 ug/l; 1X10-6: 0.19 ug/l; 1X10-5: 1.90 ug/l. Based on consumption of fish and shellfish only, the corresponding cancer risk levels and criteria are 1X10-7: 1.57 ug/l; 1X10-6: 15.7 ug/l; 1X10-5: 157 ug/l.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Toxic pollutant designated pursuant to section 307(a)(1) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act and is subject to effluent limitations.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Persons in charge of vessels or facilities are required to notify the National Response Center (NRC) immediately, when there is a release of this designated hazardous substance, in an amount equal to or greater than its reportable quantity of 10 lb or 4.54 kg. The toll free number of the NRC is (800) 424-8802. The rule for determining when notification is required is stated in 40 CFR 302.4 (section IV. D.3.b).
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Pursuant to section 8(d) of TSCA, EPA promulgated a model Health and Safety Data Reporting Rule. The section 8(d) model rule requires manufacturers, importers, and processors of listed chemical substances and mixtures to submit to EPA copies and lists of unpublished health and safety studies. Methane, trichloro- is included on this list. Effective date 6/1/87; Sunset date: 6/1/97.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• U044; As stipulated in 40 CFR 261.33, when chloroform, as a commercial chemical product or manufacturing chemical intermediate or an off-specification commercial chemical product or a manufacturing chemical intermediate, becomes a waste, it must be managed according to Federal and/or State hazardous waste regulations. Also defined as a hazardous waste is any residue, contaminated soil, water, or other debris resulting from the cleanup of a spill, into water or on dry land, of this waste. Generators of small quantities of this waste may qualify for partial exclusion from hazardous waste regulations (40 CFR 261.5).
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• The following drug products were withdrawn or removed from the market because such drug products or components of such drug products have been found to be unsafe or not effective. The following drug products may not be compounded under the exemptions provided by section 503A(a) or section 503B(a) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. All drug products containing chloroform is included on this list.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Overview of SDS regulations (OSHA HazCom, WHMIS, REACH/CLP) →

16Other information

Compiled from PubChem CID 6212 and the sources it aggregates (attributed inline). Data retrieved 2026-10-12. This summary describes the pure substance and is not a supplier SDS.