What is the product formed when chloroform is slowly oxidized by air in the presence of light and air?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is option 1. phosgene.
Chloroform is slowly oxidized by air in the presence of light and air to form phosgene, a toxic gas. The reaction is shown below:
The other options are incorrect. Option (2) formyl chloride, is not formed because it is more unstable than phosgene. Option (3) formaldehyde, is not formed because it is too reactive to be stable in the presence of air. Option (4) trichloroethanol, is not formed because it is not a product of the oxidation of chloroform.