Chloroform vs. Dichloromethane: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Published on January 27, 2024
Chloroform, a dense, sweet-smelling liquid, was historically used as an anesthetic, while Dichloromethane, a colorless, volatile liquid, is primarily used as a solvent.
Key Differences
Chloroform, known chemically as trichloromethane, has been historically used as an anesthetic due to its sedative properties. Dichloromethane (DCM), however, is mainly used as a solvent in various industries due to its ability to dissolve a wide range of compounds.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 27, 2024
While Chloroform contains three chlorine atoms attached to a methane molecule, Dichloromethane has only two chlorine atoms, altering their chemical properties and uses.
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Jan 27, 2024
Chloroform is heavier and less volatile compared to Dichloromethane, making it less ideal for applications requiring quick evaporation.
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Jan 27, 2024
The use of Chloroform has decreased due to its potential health hazards and carcinogenic properties, whereas Dichloromethane is still widely used, though with safety precautions due to its toxicity and potential carcinogenic effects.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 27, 2024
In terms of environmental impact, Chloroform is more regulated due to its harmful effects, whereas Dichloromethane, although regulated, is more commonly found in industrial applications.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 27, 2024
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Comparison Chart
Health Hazards
Potentially carcinogenic, less used due to health concerns
Toxic, used with safety measures
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Jan 27, 2024
Environmental Impact
More regulated due to harmful effects
Still widely used but regulated
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Jan 27, 2024
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Chloroform and Dichloromethane Definitions
Chloroform
A dense, sweet-smelling liquid, now mostly used in laboratories.
The laboratory stored chloroform for experimental purposes.
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Dichloromethane
Dichloromethane is colorless and possesses a sweet aroma.
The colorless liquid in the bottle was identified as dichloromethane.
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Jan 05, 2024
Chloroform
Occasionally used in fire extinguishers.
Some fire extinguishers contain chloroform for specific fire types.
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Dichloromethane
Used in the production of pharmaceuticals.
Dichloromethane plays a role in synthesizing certain medications.
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Chloroform
Used in the past in refrigeration applications.
Chloroform was an ingredient in older refrigeration systems.
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Jan 05, 2024
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Dichloromethane
Considered a less harmful alternative to chloroform in some applications.
Dichloromethane is used as a safer alternative to chloroform.
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Chloroform
A clear, colorless, dense, sweet-smelling liquid, CHCl3, used in refrigerants, propellants, and resins, as a solvent, and sometimes as an anesthetic. Chloroform, once widely used in human and veterinary surgery, has generally been replaced by less toxic, more easily controlled agents.
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Jan 04, 2024
Dichloromethane
A volatile organic compound used as a solvent.
Dichloromethane is often used to dissolve various chemicals.
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Chloroform
To treat with chloroform to anesthetize, render unconscious, or kill.
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Dichloromethane
It's used in paint removers and degreasers.
He used a dichloromethane-based solution to remove paint.
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Dichloromethane
(organic compound) The partially halogenated hydrocarbon CH2Cl2 widely used as a solvent
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Chloroform
(organic compound) A halogenated hydrocarbon, trichloromethane, CHCl3; it is a volatile, sweet-smelling liquid, used extensively as a solvent and formerly as an anesthetic.
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Jan 04, 2024
Dichloromethane
A nonflammable liquid used as a solvent and paint remover and refrigerant
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Chloroform
To treat with chloroform, or to render unconscious with chloroform.
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Chloroform
A colorless volatile liquid, CHCl3, having an ethereal odor and a sweetish taste, formed by treating alcohol with chlorine and an alkali. It is a powerful solvent of wax, resin, etc., and is extensively used to produce anæsthesia in surgical operations; also externally, to alleviate pain.
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Jan 04, 2024
Chloroform
A volatile liquid haloform (CHCl3); formerly used as an anesthetic;
Chloroform was the first inhalation anesthetic
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Jan 04, 2024
Chloroform
Anesthetize with chloroform;
Doctors used to put people under by chloroforming them
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Jan 04, 2024
Chloroform
An organic compound historically used as an anesthetic.
Chloroform was once a common anesthetic in surgeries.
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Jan 05, 2024
Chloroform
Chloroform has potential carcinogenic and health risks.
Due to its risks, chloroform usage is now limited.
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Jan 05, 2024
Repeatedly Asked Queries
What are the health risks of Chloroform?
It's potentially carcinogenic and can cause liver and kidney damage.
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Jan 27, 2024
Can Dichloromethane dissolve plastics?
Yes, it can dissolve certain types of plastics.
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Was Chloroform used in firefighting?
Yes, in some types of fire extinguishers.
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Jan 27, 2024
Can Dichloromethane be used in food processing?
No, it's not safe for food processing.
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Jan 27, 2024
Is Chloroform still used in medical procedures?
No, it's rarely used due to safety concerns.
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Jan 27, 2024
Is Dichloromethane found in household products?
Yes, it's in some paint removers and degreasers.
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Jan 27, 2024
Can Chloroform be found naturally?
Yes, in small amounts in certain environments.
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How is Dichloromethane produced?
Mainly through the chlorination of methane.
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Jan 27, 2024
Is Dichloromethane a greenhouse gas?
It has some impact but less than other compounds.
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Is Dichloromethane used in pharmaceuticals?
Yes, in the production of some drugs.
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Jan 27, 2024
What precautions are needed when handling Chloroform?
Use in a well-ventilated area and avoid skin contact.
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Jan 27, 2024
Can Chloroform be detected by its smell?
Yes, it has a distinct sweet smell.
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Jan 27, 2024
Is Dichloromethane flammable?
It's less flammable than many organic solvents.
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Jan 27, 2024
Is Dichloromethane regulated by environmental agencies?
Yes, due to its potential health and environmental impact.
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Jan 27, 2024
Can Chloroform be synthesized in a lab?
Yes, through chlorination of methane.
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Jan 27, 2024
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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