bromoform

Bromoform is a brominated organic compound with the chemical formula CHBr3. It is a colorless to yellow liquid at room temperature with a sweet odor similar to chloroform and has a high density. Bromoform belongs to the class of haloforms and is also known as tribromomethane. Historically, it was used as a solvent, sedative (notably for children with whooping cough), fire retardant, and in mineral separation due to its high density. Currently, its primary use is as a laboratory reagent and in geological or electronics testing[5][6]. Bromoform acts as an **inhibitor** of the **methanogenesis pathway** in ruminants by interfering with microbial methane production pathways; this property has led to research into its use as an additive in livestock feed (notably via seaweed containing bromoform) for reducing methane emissions[5]. Bromoform exhibits central nervous system depressant effects at high exposures and can cause sedation or unconsciousness; chronic exposure may lead to liver or kidney injury[3][4]. It is classified by the EPA as a probable human carcinogen[4].

Other names

tribromomethanemethyl tribromidemethane tribromideCHBr3CHBr-3CHBr 3