This is the bromine analogue of chloroform, and has the formula CHBr3. It finds some restricted application as an anaesthetic, and for other medicinal purposes. Like chloroform, it may be made from either alcohol or acetone. According to Deniges,2 a yield of 75 per cent. may be obtained by acting upon a mixture of acetone (20) and soda lye (10) with bromine (2). After the reaction is over, more acetone is added (1 volume) to destroy the hypobromite produced. The heavy bromoform which separates (sp. gr. 2904 at 15°) is run off and purified by washing and distillation. It boils at 151°.

From alcohol in an analogous manner bromoform may be prepared by the simultaneous action of bromine and potassium hydroxide; and also by electrolysing a solution of potassium bromide in alcohol.3 An aqueous solution of acetone may be substituted for the alcohol in the electrolytic process: a quantitative yield is obtained.4