The compound which oxidizes slowly in the presence of air to give extremely poisonous phosgene gas is
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → Chloroform
The compound that slowly oxidizes in the presence of air (and light) to form the extremely poisonous gas phosgene (COCl₂) is: Chloroform (CHCl₃)
Explanation:
- Chloroform undergoes slow oxidation:
$2\,\text{CHCl}_3 + O_2 \rightarrow 2\,\text{COCl}_2 + 2\,\text{HCl}$
- The product phosgene (COCl₂) is highly toxic.
- This is why chloroform is stored in dark bottles with ethanol (acts as a scavenger).