Butyl chloroacetate, a chemical compound commonly used in the synthesis of various organic products, holds relevance to everyday life due to its applications in the manufacturing of fragrances, flavoring agents, and pharmaceuticals. This compound plays a crucial role in enhancing the sensory qualities of consumer goods, such as perfumes, food additives, and medications. As a result, the widespread use of butyl chloroacetate in multiple industries contributes to the enrichment of daily experiences and the improvement of product quality in various facets of society.
Table of Contents:
- 💡 Commercial Applications
- ⚗️ Chemical & Physical Properties
- 🏭 Production & Procurement
- ⚠️ Safety Considerations
- 🔬 Potential Research Directions
- 🧪 Related Compounds
💡 Commercial Applications
Butyl chloroacetate, a compound derived from chloroacetic acid and butanol, finds numerous applications in commercial and industrial processes. It is commonly used as a solvent in the production of paints, coatings, and adhesives due to its ability to dissolve a wide range of organic substances. Additionally, it is utilized in the manufacturing of perfumes and fragrances, where it serves as a versatile chemical intermediate.
In the realm of drug and medication applications, butyl chloroacetate plays a crucial role as a precursor in the synthesis of pharmaceutical compounds. It is often employed in the pharmaceutical industry for the production of esters, which are essential building blocks for various drugs and medications. Furthermore, butyl chloroacetate can be found in some pharmaceutical formulations as an excipient, aiding in the solubility and stability of active pharmaceutical ingredients.
⚗️ Chemical & Physical Properties
Butyl chloroacetate is a colorless liquid with a fruity odor. It has a characteristic pungent smell that is similar to ripe fruit.
The molar mass of Butyl chloroacetate is approximately 150.57 g/mol, with a density of about 1.184 g/cm³. In comparison, common food items such as sugar have a molar mass of 342.3 g/mol, and water has a density of 1 g/cm³.
The melting point of Butyl chloroacetate is around -66°C, while the boiling point is at approximately 161°C. These values differ from common food items such as butter, which melts at 35°C and boils at 100°C.
Butyl chloroacetate is slightly soluble in water and has a low viscosity. In contrast, common food items like salt are highly soluble in water, and honey has a higher viscosity compared to Butyl chloroacetate.
🏭 Production & Procurement
Butyl chloroacetate, a chemical compound with the formula C8H15ClO2, is typically produced through the esterification of chloroacetic acid with butanol. This process involves the reaction of these two precursor materials in the presence of a catalyst, such as sulfuric acid, to yield Butyl chloroacetate and water as byproducts. The resulting Butyl chloroacetate can then be further purified and isolated through methods such as distillation or recrystallization.
The procurement of Butyl chloroacetate can be achieved through various suppliers and chemical distributors that specialize in the sale of organic compounds and solvents. These suppliers often carry a range of quantities, from small laboratory-scale amounts to bulk quantities suitable for industrial applications. Once procured, the compound can be transported in sealed containers or drums, depending on the quantity and specific requirements of the end user. Transportation methods may include ground shipping, air freight, or other modes of transport depending on the distance and urgency of the delivery.
Due to its potential hazards, including its flammability and toxicity, proper handling and storage procedures should be followed when procuring and transporting Butyl chloroacetate. This includes storing the compound in a cool, dry place away from sources of ignition and incompatible materials. Additionally, personnel handling Butyl chloroacetate should be equipped with appropriate personal protective equipment, such as gloves and goggles, to minimize the risk of exposure. Overall, adherence to established safety protocols is paramount to ensure the safe procurement and transport of Butyl chloroacetate.
⚠️ Safety Considerations
Safety considerations for Butyl chloroacetate include its potential to cause irritation to the skin, eyes, and respiratory system upon contact or inhalation. It may also be harmful if swallowed or absorbed through the skin. Additionally, Butyl chloroacetate is flammable and should be stored and handled away from ignition sources.
Hazard statements for Butyl chloroacetate include: Causes skin irritation, causes serious eye irritation, may cause respiratory irritation, harmful if swallowed, harmful if absorbed through skin, and may be flammable. It is important to handle Butyl chloroacetate with care and use appropriate personal protective equipment to minimize the risk of exposure.
Precautionary statements for Butyl chloroacetate include: Avoid breathing vapors or mist, wear protective gloves and eye protection, wash hands thoroughly after handling, store in a well-ventilated area, keep away from heat, and keep container tightly closed. Following these precautionary statements can help minimize the potential risks associated with handling Butyl chloroacetate.
🔬 Potential Research Directions
Research on Butyl chloroacetate, a compound commonly used in organic synthesis, may focus on its potential applications as a reagent in various chemical reactions. Investigating the reactivity and selectivity of Butyl chloroacetate in different transformations could shed light on its efficiency and versatility in synthetic chemistry.
Exploring the toxicological properties of Butyl chloroacetate and its impact on environmental health could offer valuable insights for assessing its safety and environmental impact. Studying the biodegradability and persistence of Butyl chloroacetate in the environment may also be a worthwhile research direction to understand its fate in natural systems.
Investigating the use of Butyl chloroacetate as a precursor in the synthesis of pharmaceutical intermediates or other value-added chemicals could provide opportunities for the development of new, efficient synthetic routes. Additionally, research into the optimization of reaction conditions and the development of catalytic systems for Butyl chloroacetate-mediated reactions could lead to improvements in the efficiency and sustainability of these processes.
🧪 Related Compounds
One similar compound to Butyl chloroacetate based upon its molecular structure is Butyl bromoacetate. This compound has a similar structure to Butyl chloroacetate, but instead of a chlorine atom, it contains a bromine atom. Butyl bromoacetate is used in organic synthesis and as a solvent.
Another similar compound is Butyl fluoroacetate. Similar to Butyl chloroacetate, this compound contains a butyl group attached to a fluoroacetate moiety. Butyl fluoroacetate is used in chemical research and has applications in the pharmaceutical industry.
Similarly, Butyl iodoacetate is another compound with a structure analogous to Butyl chloroacetate. In this compound, an iodine atom is present instead of a chlorine atom. Butyl iodoacetate is used in the synthesis of various organic compounds and as a reagent in chemical reactions.
