Which of the following is widely used as an anesthetic?

Question

Which of the following is widely used as an anesthetic?

1. A. Chloroform (Correct answer)
2. B. Methane
3. C. Ammonia
4. D. Chlorine

Correct Answer

Option A — Chloroform

Detailed Solution & Explanation

The correct answer is Chloroform.

Key Points

• Chloroform (CHCl₃) was widely used as a general anaesthetic, having been introduced into surgery by James Simpson in 1847.
• Methane, ammonia and chlorine have no anaesthetic use; chlorine is a poisonous gas.

Additional Information

• Chloroform is largely obsolete in modern medicine because of its toxicity to the liver and heart; halothane, isoflurane and sevoflurane replaced it.
• On exposure to air and light it slowly oxidises to the poisonous gas phosgene, which is why it is stored in dark bottles filled to the brim with a little ethanol added.
• Nitrous oxide (N₂O), "laughing gas", remains in use as a mild anaesthetic and analgesic.