Question:

Chloroform is oxidised in the presence of sunlight to form

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Chloroform + air + light gives a toxic gas; think phosgene.
Updated On: Jul 10, 2026
  • \( CCl_4 \)
  • \( COCl_2 \)
  • \( CH_2Cl_2 \)
  • \( CHCl_3 \)
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Chloroform \( (CHCl_3) \) slowly reacts with atmospheric oxygen in the presence of sunlight (air and light oxidation).
Step 2: The product is the poisonous gas carbonyl chloride, also called phosgene, \( COCl_2 \).
Step 3: The reaction is \[ 2CHCl_3 + O_2 \xrightarrow{\text{sunlight}} 2COCl_2 + 2HCl \]
Step 4: This is why chloroform is stored in dark, well-filled bottles with a little ethanol added, which destroys any phosgene formed. Hence the answer is \( COCl_2 \).
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