Chloroform vs. Carbon Tetrachloride — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Published on December 30, 2023
Chloroform (CHCl₃) is a trichloromethane solvent, while Carbon Tetrachloride (CCl₄) is a solvent with four chlorine atoms attached to a central carbon.
Difference Between Chloroform and Carbon Tetrachloride
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
Chloroform and Carbon Tetrachloride are both chlorinated hydrocarbons but have distinct structural and chemical properties. Chloroform, also known as trichloromethane, possesses three chlorine atoms attached to a single carbon atom, with the fourth valence fulfilled by a hydrogen atom. In contrast, Carbon Tetrachloride is a fully chlorinated compound, with its central carbon atom bonded to four chlorine atoms.
While both Chloroform and Carbon Tetrachloride have historically been used as solvents, their applications differ due to their distinct reactivities and toxicities. Chloroform, for instance, was once popular as an anesthetic, but its use in medical settings has largely been phased out. Carbon Tetrachloride, on the other hand, has found extensive application in the production of refrigerants and propellants but is now restricted due to environmental concerns.
Ultimately, although Chloroform and Carbon Tetrachloride might appear similar, their differences in chemical structure result in varied uses, reactivities, and safety profiles.
Comparison Chart
Molecular Formula
CHCl₃
CCl₄
Number of Chlorine Atoms
3
4
ADVERTISEMENT
Historical Use
Anesthetic
Refrigerants and propellants
Environmental Impact
Moderate
Significant (Ozone depleting substance)
Reactivity with Hydrogen Peroxide
Forms phosgene (toxic)
Doesn't form phosgene
Compare with Definitions
Chloroform
A compound that can be produced naturally by algae.
Some water sources may contain trace amounts of Chloroform due to algae production.
Carbon Tetrachloride
A solvent for oils, fats, lacquers, varnishes, rubber waxes, and resins.
Carbon Tetrachloride's solvent properties were valuable in various industries.
Chloroform
Formerly used anesthetic in surgeries and dental procedures.
Due to safety concerns, Chloroform is no longer a primary anesthetic.
Carbon Tetrachloride
An agent in the production of CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons).
Carbon Tetrachloride was a precursor in the synthesis of ozone-depleting substances.
Chloroform
A colorless, volatile liquid with three chlorine atoms and one hydrogen atom attached to carbon.
Chloroform's sweet smell was often recognized in medical settings.
Carbon Tetrachloride
Once widely used in fire extinguishers and refrigeration.
Restrictions have curbed the use of Carbon Tetrachloride due to its environmental impact.
Chloroform
A trichlorinated methane compound.
Chloroform is a type of haloform, with three halogen atoms attached.
Carbon Tetrachloride
A compound linked to liver and kidney damage upon exposure.
Workers exposed to high levels of Carbon Tetrachloride faced serious health risks.
Chloroform
A solvent in various chemical reactions and processes.
Chloroform can dissolve many organic compounds, aiding in their extraction.
Carbon Tetrachloride
A clear, heavy organic liquid with four chlorine atoms bonded to a central carbon.
Carbon Tetrachloride is denser than water due to its molecular structure.
Chloroform
A clear, colorless, dense, sweet-smelling liquid, CHCl3, used in refrigerants, propellants, and resins, as a solvent, and sometimes as an anesthetic. Chloroform, once widely used in human and veterinary surgery, has generally been replaced by less toxic, more easily controlled agents.
Chloroform
To treat with chloroform to anesthetize, render unconscious, or kill.
Chloroform
To apply chloroform to.
Chloroform
(organic compound) A halogenated hydrocarbon, trichloromethane, CHCl3; it is a volatile, sweet-smelling liquid, used extensively as a solvent and formerly as an anesthetic.
Chloroform
To treat with chloroform, or to render unconscious with chloroform.
Chloroform
A colorless volatile liquid, CHCl3, having an ethereal odor and a sweetish taste, formed by treating alcohol with chlorine and an alkali. It is a powerful solvent of wax, resin, etc., and is extensively used to produce anæsthesia in surgical operations; also externally, to alleviate pain.
Chloroform
To treat with chloroform, or to place under its influence.
Chloroform
A volatile liquid haloform (CHCl3); formerly used as an anesthetic;
Chloroform was the first inhalation anesthetic
Chloroform
Anesthetize with chloroform;
Doctors used to put people under by chloroforming them
Common Curiosities
How does the structure of Carbon Tetrachloride differ from Chloroform?
Carbon Tetrachloride has four chlorine atoms bonded to carbon, while Chloroform has three chlorines and one hydrogen.
Was Chloroform ever used medically?
Yes, Chloroform was once used as an anesthetic in surgeries.
What is the molecular formula of Chloroform?
Chloroform's molecular formula is CHCl₃.
Which compound, Chloroform or Carbon Tetrachloride, is more reactive with hydrogen peroxide?
Chloroform, as it can react to form toxic phosgene.
Is Chloroform still used in modern medical procedures?
No, it's been replaced by safer anesthetics.
Are either Chloroform or Carbon Tetrachloride flammable?
Neither are highly flammable, but both have other safety concerns.
Can Chloroform be produced naturally?
Yes, certain algae can produce Chloroform in small amounts.
Why is Carbon Tetrachloride considered environmentally harmful?
Carbon Tetrachloride contributes to ozone depletion and has other environmental concerns.
Was Carbon Tetrachloride found in household products?
Yes, it was once commonly used in cleaning agents and fire extinguishers.
Why is Carbon Tetrachloride's use in refrigerants restricted?
Due to its role in ozone depletion and environmental concerns.
Can both Chloroform and Carbon Tetrachloride act as solvents?
Yes, both can dissolve various organic compounds.
Which of the two, Chloroform or Carbon Tetrachloride, is denser?
Carbon Tetrachloride is denser due to its molecular structure.
Are Chloroform and Carbon Tetrachloride still widely used today?
Their uses are limited today due to health and environmental concerns.
Why is Chloroform's interaction with hydrogen peroxide a concern?
It can form phosgene, a highly toxic compound.
Have both Chloroform and Carbon Tetrachloride been linked to health risks?
Yes, both have been associated with various health concerns upon exposure.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Low Self Esteem vs. Insecurity
Next Comparison
Homonyms vs. HomographsAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
