Question

Calculate the molecular mass of chloroform \[(CHC{l_3})\]. (Atomic masses : $C\, = \,12\,u$; $H\, = \,1\,u$; $Cl\, = \,35.5\,u$ )

Answer 1

Hint: Molecular mass of a compound is defined as the sum total of masses of elements present in that compound. It is calculated by multiplying the atomic mass of an element with the total no of atoms of that element in that compound.

Complete step by step answer:
Molecular mass is often expressed in the unit $amu$. Chloroform is a volatile organic compound, colorless in appearance with a sweet smell. It is a dense liquid at room temperature. It can also exist as a gas. It was first synthesized in $1831$ .
It is a non-flammable compound and it also doesn’t dissolve in water but dissolves in organic solvents. It is also called Trichloromethane or Formyl trichloride. Some of its properties are:
It reacts with sodium hydroxide to produce sodium acetate, sodium hydroxide and water. Upon its oxidation in the presence of sunlight it produces a poisonous compound phosgene and hydrochloric acid. That is why it is stored in a dark place in a tightly closed container. Upon boiling with aqueous potassium hydroxide it produces potassium formate.
Chloroform is a very useful compound used in various fields and industries. Some of its applications are: It is used as an anesthetic by doctors or dentists. It is also used in agriculture.
One molecule of chloroform consists of $1$ carbon atom, $1$ hydrogen atom and $3$ chlorine atoms.
So its molecular mass will be:
=$(1 \times 12) + (1 \times 1) + (3 \times 35.5)$
=$12\,\, + \,\,1\,\, + \,\,106.5\,\, = \,\,119.5\,u$

Note:
Long exposure to chloroform is very harmful for human health and symptoms consist of shortness of breath and irritation of air pathways, noses. It can also make someone unconscious if applied directly over someone's face.