Ethyl Chloroacetate: Properties, Uses, Safety, and Applications
Ethyl chloroacetate is a versatile chemical widely used in organic synthesis and pharmaceutical manufacturing. This guide provides detailed information on its properties, applications, safety profile, pharmaceutical uses, and toxicity, answering common questions that buyers and researchers often search for.
1. Properties of Ethyl Chloroacetate
Chemical Formula: C₄H₇ClO₂
Molecular Weight: 122.55 g/mol
Appearance: Colorless to pale yellow liquid
Boiling Point: 145–146°C
Density: ~1.18 g/cm³
Solubility: Slightly soluble in water; miscible with most organic solvents such as ethanol, ether, and chloroform
Reactivity: Contains a reactive chloroacetate group, which can participate in nucleophilic substitution reactions.
Ethyl chloroacetate is highly reactive, making it an important intermediate in chemical and pharmaceutical synthesis.
2. Uses of Ethyl Chloroacetate
Ethyl chloroacetate has several industrial and laboratory applications:
Chemical Intermediate: Used in the production of agrochemicals, dyes, and specialty chemicals.
Pharmaceutical Manufacturing: Serves as a key intermediate for herbicides, pesticides, and medicinal compounds.
Organic Synthesis: Reacts with nucleophiles to form esters, amides, and other derivatives.
Laboratory Research: Used as a building block in chemical reactions requiring a chloroacetate functional group.
Its versatility and reactivity make it a staple reagent in both industrial and research settings.
3. Safety Data Sheet (SDS) Overview
Handling Precautions:
Use protective gloves, goggles, and clothing when handling ethyl chloroacetate.
Work in a well-ventilated area or fume hood to avoid inhalation.
Avoid contact with skin, eyes, and mucous membranes.
First Aid Measures:
Inhalation: Move to fresh air and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
Skin Contact: Wash immediately with plenty of soap and water.
Eye Contact: Rinse thoroughly with water for at least 15 minutes; get medical help if irritation persists.
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting; seek immediate medical attention.
Storage & Stability:
Store in a cool, dry place away from heat, sparks, and incompatible substances such as strong bases or oxidizers.
Physical & Chemical Hazards:
Flammable; may release toxic fumes if heated to decomposition.
Reacts violently with strong bases, amines, and nucleophilic compounds.
4. Synthesis of Pharmaceuticals Using Ethyl Chloroacetate
Ethyl chloroacetate is widely used in pharmaceutical synthesis due to its reactive chloroacetate group:
Herbicides and Pesticides: Used as a precursor in the synthesis of selective herbicides and insecticides.
Medicinal Compounds: Reacts with amines, alcohols, or thiols to produce esters, amides, or thioesters for therapeutic agents.
Intermediate in Organic Synthesis: Serves as a building block in the production of pharmaceutical intermediates, dyes, and specialty chemicals.
Its high reactivity allows for efficient and selective transformations, making it a valuable reagent in medicinal chemistry workflows.
5. Toxicity of Ethyl Chloroacetate
Ethyl chloroacetate is moderately toxic and requires careful handling:
Acute Exposure: Can cause irritation to eyes, skin, and respiratory tract.
Inhalation: May lead to dizziness, headache, or respiratory discomfort.
Ingestion: Can cause gastrointestinal irritation and systemic toxicity.
Chronic Exposure: Prolonged contact may affect liver and kidney function.
Proper personal protective equipment (PPE) and adherence to safety guidelines minimize the risk of exposure.
Conclusion
Ethyl chloroacetate is a highly reactive and versatile chemical widely used in pharmaceutical synthesis, organic chemistry, and industrial applications. Understanding its properties, uses, safety measures, and toxicity is essential for safe and effective handling. Whether you are a chemist, researcher, or industrial buyer, knowledge of ethyl chloroacetate ensures optimized application and regulatory compliance.