Chloroform when kept open is oxidized to

Options

A. `CO_2`
B. `COCl_2`
C. `CO_2 , Cl_2`
D. none of these

Answer

To determine what chloroform (CHCl3) is oxidized to when kept open, we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Identify Chloroform
Chloroform is a chemical compound with the formula CHCl3. It is a colorless, dense liquid that is used as a solvent and in the production of other chemicals.

**Hint:** Remember that chloroform contains one carbon atom, one hydrogen atom, and three chlorine atoms.

### Step 2: Understand the Oxidation Process
When chloroform is exposed to air (specifically oxygen) and light, it undergoes oxidation. This means that it reacts with oxygen to form new products.

**Hint:** Oxidation typically involves the addition of oxygen or the removal of hydrogen.

### Step 3: Determine the Products of Oxidation
The oxidation of chloroform leads to the formation of phosgene (COCl2) and hydrochloric acid (HCl). The reaction can be represented as follows:

\[ 2 \, CHCl_3 + O_2 \rightarrow 2 \, COCl_2 + 2 \, HCl \]

**Hint:** Look for common products of organic compounds when they are oxidized, especially in the presence of oxygen.

### Step 4: Write the Balanced Chemical Equation
To balance the equation, we need to ensure that the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides. The balanced equation is:

\[ 2 \, CHCl_3 + O_2 \rightarrow 2 \, COCl_2 + 2 \, HCl \]

**Hint:** Balancing chemical equations ensures that the law of conservation of mass is followed.

### Step 5: Identify the Main Product
From the balanced equation, we see that the main products formed from the oxidation of chloroform are phosgene (COCl2) and hydrochloric acid (HCl).

**Hint:** Focus on the main toxic product when considering the oxidation of chloroform.

### Conclusion
When chloroform is kept open, it is oxidized to phosgene (COCl2) and hydrochloric acid (HCl).

**Final Answer:** The correct answer is phosgene (COCl2) and hydrochloric acid (HCl).