Definition of chloroform

The word "chloroform" originated in the mid-19th century and is derived from its chemical composition. Specifically, chloroform, also known as trichloromethane, is an organic compound that contains three chlorine atoms attached to a methane molecule (one carbon atom bonded to four hydrogen atoms). The prefix "chloro-" comes from the Greek word "chloros," which means "green," as chlorine, one of the halogens, gives a greenish color to certain chemical reactions. The suffix "-form" refers to the molecular structure of the compound, as the "form" in this context denotes a specific chemical compound. In the late 1830s, German chemist Friedrich H. Mokus first synthesized chloroform accidentally while trying to create artificial silk. Doctors quickly recognized its anesthetic properties, and by the 1840s, chloroform had become a commonly used anesthetic, replacing previously used, more dangerous substances like ether and sulfuric ether. Chloroform's potency and ease of administration made it a preferred anesthetic for surgical procedures for several decades. However, some medical professionals raised concerns about its potential toxicity and long-term health effects, such as liver damage and cardiac arrest, prompting a decline in use by the mid-20th century. Nonetheless, chloroform remains a significant compound in chemistry and continues to find applications in various fields, including industry and research.