Substance profile
Bromoform
Bromoform is a colorless heavy liquid with a similar to chloroform odor.
01 · Identification
What Bromoform is
Bromoform is a colorless heavy liquid with a similar to chloroform odor. Its molecular formula is CHBr3 and its molecular weight is 252.73 g/mol. It boils at 149 °C, melts at 8.7 °C.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger. It is classed as hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs).
Other names for Bromoform
- tribromomethane
02 · GHS classification
Hazards and label elements
Harmonised classification under CLP Annex VI. This is the legally binding classification in the EU; other jurisdictions may differ.
| Code | Hazard statement |
|---|---|
| H331 | Toxic if inhaled. |
| H302 | Harmful if swallowed. |
| H315 | Causes skin irritation. |
| H319 | Causes serious eye irritation. |
| H411 | Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects. |
Precautionary statements: P260, P264, P270, P271, P273, P280, P301, P302, P304, P305, P310, P312, P313, P330, P332, P337, P338, P352, P391, P501
03 · Physical and chemical properties
Bromoform properties
Every value is shown with the conditions it was measured under and the source it came from. Where sources disagree, all values are listed rather than one being picked — the difference is usually a different form of the substance, not an error.
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boiling point | 149.2 °C (300.6 °F) | HSDB | |
| 149.44 °C (301 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| 149.5 °C (301.1 °F) | at 760 mmHg | CAMEO | |
| Melting point | 8.69 °C (47.6 °F) | HSDB | |
| 8.33 °C (47 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| 8.89 °C (48 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| Density | 2.89 g/cm³ | NIOSH | |
| 2.8912 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | CAMEO | |
| 2.8788 g/cm³ | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Solubility | Soluble in about 800 parts water | HSDB | |
| 0.1 g/100 g water at 20 °C | at 20 °C | HSDB | |
| In water, 3,100 mg/L at 25 °C | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Vapor pressure | 5 mmHg | NIOSH | |
| 5 mmHg | at 20 °C | CAMEO | |
| 5.4 mmHg | at 25 °C, extrapolated | HSDB | |
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | Explosive reaction with crown ethers or potassium hydroxide. | HSDB | |
| Noncombustible Liquid | NIOSH | ||
| Vapor density | 8.7 (air = 1) | HSDB | |
| Odor threshold | In water: detection: 0.3 mg/kg | HSDB | |
| In air: 4.80X10+8 molecules/cu cm | HSDB | ||
| Odor Threshold Low: 0.19 [ppm] | Haz-Map | ||
| Corrosivity | ... Liquid bromoform will attack some forms of plastics, rubber, and coatings. | HSDB |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling Bromoform
Storage conditions
Separated from strong bases, oxidants, metals and food and feedstuffs. Keep in the dark. Ventilation along the floor. Store only if stabilized. Store in an area without drain or sewer access. Provision to contain effluent from fire extinguishing.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
Incompatible materials: Alkali metals.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
Heating BROMOFORM to decomposition produces highly toxic fumes of carbon oxybromide (carbonyl bromide) and hydrogen bromide [Sax, 9th ed., 1996, p. 519]. Reaction with powdered potassium or sodium hydroxide, Li or Na/K alloys, is violently exothermic [Weizmann, C. et al., J. Am Chem. Soc., 1948, 70, p. 1189]. Explosive reaction with crown ethers in the presence of potassium hydroxide [Le Goaller, R. et al., Synth. Comm., 1982, 12, p. 1163].
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Bromoform in the storage compatibility matrix →