Question

Chloropicrin is obtained by the reaction of:
A) nitric acid and chlorobenzene
B) chlorine on picric acid
C) nitric acid on chloroform
D) steam on carbon tetrachloride

Answer 1

Hint: Chloropicrin is also called nitro-chloroform. Chloropicrin is used in agriculture as a soil fumigant. It has also been used as a chemical warfare agent and a riot control agent.

Complete step by step answer:
Chloropicrin's chemical formula is $\mathrm{CCl}_{3} \mathrm{NO}_{2}$ and its molecular weight is 164.38 grams/mole. Pure chloropicrin is a colorless liquid, with a boiling point of $112^{\circ} \mathrm{C}$.

Now, we are required to find the reaction that forms chloropicrin. When we add nitric acid on chloroform, we get chloropicrin. $\mathrm{CHCl}_{3}+\mathrm{HNO}_{3} \rightarrow \mathrm{CCl}_{3} \mathrm{NO}_{2}+\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}$

-Talking about its structure, Chloropicrin is a C-nitro compound that is nitromethane in which all three hydrogens are replaced by chlorines.
-In agriculture, chloropicrin is injected into soil prior to planting a crop in order to fumigate soil. Chloropicrin affects a broad spectrum of fungi, microbes, insects.
-It is commonly used as a stand-alone treatment or in combination / co-formulation with methyl bromide and 1,3-Dichloropropene.
-Chloropicrin is used as an indicator and repellent while fumigating residences for insects with sulfuryl fluoride which is an odorless gas.

So, the correct answer is “Option C”.

Note: Chloropicrin appears as a slightly oily colorless to yellow liquid with a strong irritating odor. Noncombustible. Denser than water. Vapors are poisonous by inhalation and irritate eyes, nose, and throat.