Is Light Necessary for the Formation of Phosgene from the Oxidation of Chloroform?

Abstract

The formation of phosgene from the oxidation of chloroform is a known chemical safety issue. However, some laboratory safety case reports make us question the exact role of light in the oxidation process. In this Letter, the necessity of light in chemical reactions was briefly examined and categorized as thermodynamic or kinetic, and it was concluded that the role of light in the formation of phosgene from the oxidation of chloroform is only kinetic.