What is the Chemical name of Chloroform?
VerifiedAnswer: Trichloro Methane
Explanation:
The chemical name of chloroform is Trichloro Methane, which perfectly describes its molecular structure and composition. This name follows the systematic IUPAC (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry) naming convention that helps us understand exactly what elements and bonds are present in the compound.
Let's break down this name to understand it better. The term "Trichloro" indicates that there are three chlorine atoms attached to the main carbon structure. The prefix "tri-" means three, while "chloro" refers to chlorine atoms. The word "Methane" tells us that the base structure is a single carbon atom bonded to hydrogen atoms, which is the simplest hydrocarbon.
The molecular formula of chloroform is CHCl₃. This means it contains one carbon atom, one hydrogen atom, and three chlorine atoms. In the original methane molecule (CH₄), three of the four hydrogen atoms have been replaced by chlorine atoms, leaving us with trichloro methane.
Chloroform is a colorless, dense liquid with a sweet smell that was historically used as an anesthetic in medical procedures. However, due to its toxic properties, its medical use has been largely discontinued. Today, it's primarily used as a solvent in laboratories and in the production of refrigerants.
Understanding chemical nomenclature like this helps you identify the structure and properties of compounds just from their names. When you see "trichloro methane," you immediately know you're dealing with a methane derivative where three hydrogen atoms have been substituted with chlorine atoms, giving you valuable insight into the compound's likely chemical behavior and properties.
