Acetyl chloride

Acetyl Chloride

Acetyl chloride (/əˈsiːtɪl ˈklɔːraɪd/), also known as ethanoyl chloride, is an organic compound with the chemical formula CH3COCl. It is a colorless, corrosive, volatile liquid that has a pungent smell.

Etymology

The term "acetyl" is derived from the organic compound acetic acid. The suffix "-yl" is a functional group indicator in organic chemistry. The term "chloride" refers to the presence of a chlorine atom.

Chemical Properties

Acetyl chloride is a reactive compound that is often used in acetylation reactions, where an acetyl group is introduced into a molecule. It reacts with water to form acetic acid and hydrochloric acid, and can also react with alcohols and amines to form esters and amides, respectively.

Uses

Acetyl chloride is primarily used in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals, as it is a key reagent in the synthesis of many types of drugs. It is also used in the production of dyes, perfumes, and other organic compounds.

Safety

Due to its reactivity and corrosive nature, acetyl chloride should be handled with care. It can cause burns and eye damage, and its vapors can be harmful if inhaled.

Related Terms

• Acetic Acid
• Acetylation
• Hydrochloric Acid
• Organic Compound
• Functional Group

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Acetyl chloride
• Wikipedia's article - Acetyl chloride

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