Chloroform is stored in closed, dark-colored bottles to prevent exposure to light, as it can oxidize to form the poisonous gas carbonyl chloride (phosgene). Its use as an antiseptic has been phased out due to its objectionable smell, and it has been replaced by formulations containing iodine for antiseptic properties.
How is chloroform stored to prevent the formation of a poisonous gas, and why has it been phased out as an antiseptic?
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Chloroform is stored with caution to prevent the formation of phosgene, a poisonous gas. To avoid exposure to light and air, it is stored in dark bottles, away from sunlight and heat. When exposed to light, chloroform can undergo photolysis, producing phosgene. The use of chloroform as an antiseptic has been phased out due to its carcinogenic potential and adverse health effects. Modern alternatives, such as safer and more effective antiseptics like chlorhexidine and iodine-based solutions, have replaced chloroform in medical applications, minimizing the risks associated with its use as an antiseptic.