Safety data for chloroform

Click here for data on chloroform in student-friendly format, from the HSci project

Glossary of terms on this data sheet.

The information on this web page is provided to help you to work safely, but it is intended to be an overview of hazards, not a replacement for a full Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS). MSDS forms can be downloaded from the web sites of many chemical suppliers.

General

Synonyms: trichloromethane, methyl trichloride, formyl trichloride, methane trichloride, trichloroform, methenyl trichloride, trichlormethan
Molecular formula: CHCl₃
CAS No: 67-66-3
EC No: 200-663-8
Annex I Index No: 602-006-00-4

Physical data

Appearance: clear colourless liquid with a sweet odour
Melting point: -63 C
Boiling point: 61 C
Vapour density: 4.1
Vapour pressure: 159 mm Hg at 20 C
Specific gravity: 1.48 g/cm³
Flash point: none
Explosion limits:
Autoignition temperature:
Water solubility: 8 g/l at 20 C
Refractive index: 1.4459 at 20 C, 589 nm

Stability

Stable. May decompose on exposure to light. Incompatible with a wide variety of materials, including peroxy compounds, alkali amides, strong bases, alkali metals, magnesium, aluminium, strong oxidizing agents.

Toxicology

This material causes cancer in laboratory animals, and is IARC listed as a probable human carcinogen. Inhalation and ingestion are harmful and may be fatal. May cause reproductive damage. Irritant. Exposure to alcohol may increase toxic effects. Prolonged or repeated skin contact may cause dermatitis. Typical TLV 50 ppm.

Toxicity data
(The meaning of any abbreviations which appear in this section is given here.)
ORL-RAT LD50 1194 mg kg^-1
ORL-MAN LDLO 2514 mg kg^-1
SCU-MUS LD50 704 mg kg^-1
IHL-RAT LC50 47 g m^-3 / 4h
IPR-MUS LD50 623 mg kg^-1
ORL-GPG LD50 820 mg kg^-1
SKN-RBT LD50 > 20000 mg kg^-1

Irritation data
(The meaning of any abbreviations which appear in this section is given here.)
SKN-RBT 10 mg/24h open mld

Risk phrases
(The meaning of any risk phrases which appear in this section is given here.)
R20 R22 R38 R40 R48.

Transport information

here.)

Personal protection

Safety glasses and gloves. Good ventilation.

Safety phrases
(The meaning of any safety phrases which appear in this section is given here.)
S36 S37.

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This information was last updated on September 16, 2008. We have tried to make it as accurate and useful as possible, but can take no responsibility for its use, misuse, or accuracy. We have not verified this information, and cannot guarantee that it is up-to-date.

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