Practicing Success

Target Exam

CUET

Subject

Chemistry

Chapter

Organic: Haloalkanes and Haloarenes

Question:

Answer the question on basis of passage given below:

Chloroform is a very useful solvent for oils, fats and waxes and many organic compounds. It can also be used for preserving biological specimens. Chloroform was used as a general anaesthetic in surgery for a long time but because of its toxic nature, it is no longer used these days.

Chloroform is useful for us because :

Options:

It can be used as a solvent for oil, fats, waxes and organic compounds and also for preserving biological specimens

Fat, waxes and organic compounds are not soluble in it.

It is useful to destroy the biological specimens.

It releases phosgene gas after reaction with carbon dioxide, which is important for aquatic

Correct Answer:

It can be used as a solvent for oil, fats, waxes and organic compounds and also for preserving biological specimens

Explanation:

The correct answer is option is 1. It can be used as a solvent for oil, fats, waxes and organic compounds and also for preserving biological specimens.

Chloroform \((CHCl_3)\) has several practical applications that make it useful in various fields:

1. Solvent: Chloroform is an effective solvent for a wide range of substances, including oils, fats, waxes, and many organic compounds. Its ability to dissolve these substances makes it valuable in industrial processes, chemical synthesis, and laboratory work. For example, it is commonly used in the extraction of organic compounds from natural sources or in the production of pharmaceuticals.

2. Preservation of Biological Specimens: Chloroform is often used to preserve biological specimens in laboratories. When applied to biological tissues or organisms, chloroform can effectively halt biological decay by killing microorganisms or inhibiting their growth. This property is particularly useful for preserving specimens for scientific study or educational purposes.

Chloroform's role as a solvent and a preservative makes it a versatile chemical with various practical applications in industries such as pharmaceuticals, chemistry, and biology. However, it's worth noting that chloroform should be handled with care due to its toxicity and potential health risks associated with exposure. Proper safety precautions should always be followed when working with chloroform.