Benzyl chloride

• α -chlorotoluene
• Chloromethyl benzene

Colorless, pungent -smelling fluid

Liquid

1.10 g · cm -3 ( 20 ° C)

-39 ° C

179.3 ° C

1.2 hPa (20 ° C)

• Slightly soluble in water (460 mg.l -1)
• Miscible with ethanol and diethyl ether

1.5391 (20 ° C)

Risk

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Benzyl chloride is a colorless, lachrymatory, pungent odor, which is one of the aromatic halogenated hydrocarbons. It is in synthetic chemistry is an important intermediate in the production of benzyl alcohol, plasticizers and dyes.

Representation

Benzyl chloride can be represented by free-radical chlorination of toluene. The result is a mixture of three different, in the side chain chlorine -substituted toluene derivatives ( benzyl chloride, benzal chloride and Benzodichlorid or benzotrichloride ), from which the -chlorotoluene has to be removed.

Use

The major part of the produced α -chlorotoluene is further processed to benzyl alcohol. In addition, benzyl is the benzylation of a block in the production of plasticizers ( Phthalsäurebenzylester ), dyes, pharmaceuticals, perfumes, and vulcanization accelerators. It is used as a reagent for introduction of the benzyl protecting group, for example, for amines, phenols and alcohols.

Safety

The vapors of low volatile substance are heavier than air and thus form an explosive mixture. Benzyl chloride itself is corrosive to eyes, respiratory system and skin and decomposes when heated to, inter alia, in hydrogen chloride. α -chlorotoluene is classified as carcinogenic ( category 2); Main routes of exposure are respiratory tract and skin.

If possible it should be avoided to the less toxic benzyl bromide.