1420. Bromoform

Nomenclature

CAS number: 75-25-2
Tribromomethane.
CHBr3; mol wt 252.73.
C 4.75%, H 0.40%, Br 94.85%.

Description and references

Prepd from acetone and sodium hypobromite: Günther, Jahresber. Fortschr. Chem. 1887, 741 (Beilstein vol. 1, 68); Kergomard, Bull. Soc. Chim. Fr. 1961, 2360. Toxicity data: Kutob, Plaa, Toxicol. Appl. Pharmacol. 4, 354 (1962). Review of toxicology and human exposure: Toxicological Profile for Bromoform and Dibromochloromethane (PB2006-100001, 2005) 273 pp.

Properties

Heavy liquid; chloroform odor; sweetish taste. bp 149-150°. mp 7.5°. d415 2.9035. nD15 1.6005. Sol in about 800 parts water; miscible with alc, benzene, chloroform, ether, petr ether, acetone, oils. Gradually dec, acquiring a yellow color; air and light accelerate the decompn. May be preserved by the addition of 3-4% alc. d 2.6-2.7. Poisonous. Keep in well-closed containers, protected from light. Incompat. Caustic alkalies. LD50 s.c. in mice: 7.2 mmol/kg (Kutob, Plaa).

Caution

Potential symptoms of overexposure are irritation of skin, eyes and respiratory system; CNS depression; liver, kidney damage. See NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards (DHHS/NIOSH 97-140, 1997) p 34.

Use

In separating mixtures of minerals.

Therapeutic Category

Has been used as sedative, hypnotic; antitussive.

Keywords

Antitussive; Sedative/Hypnotic