Question

Chloroform in the presence of light is slowly oxidized by air to form

• A. 1
• B. 2
• C. 3
• D. 4

Hint:

Chloroform \((CHCl_3)\) is stored in dark bottles containing about 1% ethanol because sunlight and oxygen convert it into poisonous phosgene \((COCl_2)\).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Write the photochemical decomposition of chloroform.
2CHCl₃ + O₂ (sunlight) → 2COCl₂ + 2HCl. The carbonyl dichloride product is phosgene, a highly poisonous gas, which is why CHCl₃ is stored in amber bottles with ethanol to neutralise any phosgene.

Step 2: Final Answer:
COCl₂ (option 1).