Question

What happens when chloroform is exposed to air in presence of sunlight

Answer 1

Chloroform evaporates very quickly when exposed to air. Chloroform also dissolves easily in water, but does not stick to the soil very well. ... The breakdown products in air include phosgene, which is more toxic than chloroform, and hydrogen chloride, which is also toxic. Some chloroform may break down in soil.

Answer 2

When Chloroform is exposed to air, it undergoes oxidation releasing a toxic gas that is Phosgene gas (COCl2) and Hydrochloric acid. Reaction of oxidation of chloroform is: As chloroform toxic gas when it is exposed to air and sunlight, therefore it is kept in dark bottles to prevent any oxidation process.