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.

Why storage of chloroform is a problem?

Chloroform gets oxidised to highly poisonous gas phosgene in the presence of oxygen

The correct answer is option 1. Chloroform gets oxidised to highly poisonous gas phosgene in the presence of oxygen.

Chloroform \((CHCl_3)\) can undergo chemical reactions when exposed to certain conditions, such as oxygen in the air. When chloroform is exposed to oxygen, it can undergo oxidation, a process where it loses electrons, resulting in the formation of different compounds.

The specific reaction that occurs is:

\(CHCl_3 + O_2 \longrightarrow COCl_2 + HCl\)

In this reaction, chloroform \((CHCl_3)\) reacts with oxygen \((O_2)\) to form phosgene \((COCl_2)\) and hydrogen chloride (HCl). Phosgene is a highly toxic gas that was used as a chemical weapon during World War I due to its ability to cause severe respiratory damage and death even in small concentrations. Hydrogen chloride is also a corrosive gas that can cause irritation to the respiratory tract and mucous membranes.

Therefore, storing chloroform in environments where it may come into contact with oxygen, such as poorly ventilated areas or containers that are not properly sealed, can lead to the formation of phosgene and hydrogen chloride, posing significant health risks to anyone in the vicinity. This is why proper storage and handling procedures for chloroform are essential to prevent accidental exposure and minimize the risk of harmful chemical reactions.