Creating and Refining Chloroform

Making and purifying chloroform is a delicate process that requires careful attention to detail and safety precautions. In this tutorial, we’ll walk you through the steps involved in making and purifying chloroform using HTML tags to provide a clear and organized guide.

Before we start, it’s important to note that chloroform is a hazardous chemical and should only be handled by trained professionals in a laboratory setting. Always wear appropriate safety equipment, such as gloves and goggles, when working with chloroform.

Step 1: Materials and Equipment

To make and purify chloroform, you will need the following materials and equipment:

– Acetone
– Sodium hypochlorite (bleach)
– Hydrochloric acid
– Separatory funnel
– Glassware (beakers, flasks, etc.)
– Distillation apparatus
– Safety equipment (gloves, goggles, etc.)

Step 2: Making Chloroform

To make chloroform, follow these steps:

1. In a fume hood, mix 100 mL of acetone, 100 mL of water, and 25 mL of 5% sodium hypochlorite (bleach) in a glass beaker. This will produce chloroform as a byproduct.

2. Allow the mixture to react for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

3. Carefully pour the mixture into a separatory funnel, allowing the layers to separate.

4. Drain the lower layer (chloroform) into a separate glass container.

Step 3: Purifying Chloroform

To purify chloroform, follow these steps:

1. Add a few drops of hydrochloric acid to the chloroform in the glass container.

2. Carefully swirl the mixture and allow it to sit for a few hours.

3. Transfer the chloroform to a distillation apparatus and distill it at a temperature of around 60 degrees Celsius.

4. Collect the purified chloroform in a clean glass container.

Step 4: Safety Precautions

When working with chloroform, it’s important to follow these safety precautions:

– Always work in a well-ventilated area, such as a fume hood.
– Use appropriate safety equipment, such as gloves and goggles, to protect yourself from exposure to chloroform.
– Store chloroform in a tightly sealed container away from heat and direct sunlight.
– Dispose of any waste materials according to local regulations for hazardous waste.

In conclusion, making and purifying chloroform requires careful attention to detail and safety precautions. By following the steps outlined in this tutorial and using HTML tags to organize the information, you can successfully produce purified chloroform in a laboratory setting. Remember to always prioritize safety when working with hazardous chemicals like chloroform.