Why is chloroform stored in steel cylinders?
Chloroform should be treated as a time-sensitive chemical. This is especially true of chloroform that is either not stabilized or is stabilized with amylene. – An industrial hygienist should be contacted before using a container of chloroform that is six months old or older so that they can test for the presence of phosgene. References: Chemical & Engineering News, March 2, 1998 -Chloroform should always be stored in a dark place. The 1995 edition of Prudent Practices in the Laboratory states (p. 283): “In the presence of light, chloroform undergoes autoxidation to generate phosgene; this can be minimized by storing this substance in the dark under nitrogen. Commercial samples of chloroform frequently contain 0.5 to 1% ethanol as a stabilizer.” It is recommended that anyone using chloroform test their available supplies before using them again, especially if the chloroform bottle has been open for more than three months. This procedure must be conducted in a fume hood while double glov
