m-Chloroacetanilide is a chemical compound that has a variety of practical applications in everyday life. It is commonly used in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals and pesticides, making it an essential component in the manufacturing of various products that are vital to human health and agriculture. Additionally, m-Chloroacetanilide is utilized in the production of dyes and pigments, contributing to the vibrant colors found in everyday items such as clothing, packaging materials, and household products. Its versatility and significance in multiple industries highlight the importance of this compound in our daily lives.
Table of Contents:
- 💡 Commercial Applications
- ⚗️ Chemical & Physical Properties
- 🏭 Production & Procurement
- ⚠️ Safety Considerations
- 🔬 Potential Research Directions
- 🧪 Related Compounds
💡 Commercial Applications
m-Chloroacetanilide, also known as 3-chloroacetanilide, is a chemical compound with various commercial and industrial applications. One of its primary uses is as an herbicide, particularly in the control of broadleaf and grassy weeds in agricultural settings. Its effectiveness as an herbicide is attributed to its ability to inhibit the growth of plants by disrupting key metabolic pathways.
In addition to its role as an herbicide, m-Chloroacetanilide is also utilized in the production of dyes and pigments. Its chemical properties make it an ideal precursor for the synthesis of various colored compounds, which can be used in textiles, plastics, and other industrial applications. The versatility of m-Chloroacetanilide as a chemical building block contributes to its widespread use in the manufacturing sector.
Despite its primarily commercial and industrial applications, m-Chloroacetanilide also has pharmaceutical uses. In the realm of drug development, this compound has been investigated for its potential as an anti-inflammatory agent. Its ability to modulate inflammatory responses in the body makes it a promising candidate for the treatment of conditions such as arthritis and other inflammatory disorders. Further research is needed to fully understand the therapeutic potential of m-Chloroacetanilide in the field of medicine.
⚗️ Chemical & Physical Properties
m-Chloroacetanilide is a white crystalline solid with a faint odor. It is commonly used in the pharmaceutical industry as an intermediate in the synthesis of various drugs.
The molar mass of m-Chloroacetanilide is approximately 171.6 g/mol, with a density of 1.26 g/cm³. Compared to common food items such as sugar (molar mass of 342.3 g/mol, density of 1.59 g/cm³), m-Chloroacetanilide has a lower molar mass and density.
m-Chloroacetanilide has a melting point of 172-175 °C and a boiling point of 364-366 °C. In comparison, common food items like butter (melting point of 32-35 °C, boiling point of 150-180 °C) have much lower melting and boiling points.
m-Chloroacetanilide is sparingly soluble in water and has a medium viscosity. Compared to common food items like salt (high solubility, low viscosity), m-Chloroacetanilide exhibits lower solubility in water and higher viscosity.
🏭 Production & Procurement
m-Chloroacetanilide is typically produced through a reaction between m-chloroaniline and acetyl chloride. This synthesis process involves the substitution of the hydrogen atom on the amine group of m-chloroaniline with an acetyl group from acetyl chloride. The resulting product is m-Chloroacetanilide, which is commonly used as an intermediate in the production of various pharmaceuticals and dyes.
m-Chloroacetanilide can be procured from chemical suppliers specializing in organic intermediates and specialty chemicals. It is typically available in the form of a white to off-white crystalline solid. The compound can be safely transported in sealed containers to prevent exposure to moisture and air, as it may undergo hydrolysis and degradation in the presence of water. Proper labeling and documentation are necessary to ensure compliance with regulations governing the transportation of hazardous materials.
Once procured, m-Chloroacetanilide can be stored in a cool, dry place away from sources of heat and direct sunlight. Proper handling procedures should be followed to prevent accidental exposure and contamination. The compound should be used in a well-ventilated area with appropriate personal protective equipment, as it may pose health risks if inhaled or in contact with skin. It is important to adhere to safety protocols and guidelines when working with m-Chloroacetanilide to minimize risks to human health and the environment.
⚠️ Safety Considerations
Safety Considerations for m-Chloroacetanilide:
m-Chloroacetanilide poses several safety considerations due to its potential hazards. This chemical is harmful if swallowed, causing irritation to the gastrointestinal tract. It may also cause skin irritation and serious eye damage upon contact, necessitating the use of appropriate personal protective equipment such as gloves and safety goggles when handling.
Additionally, m-Chloroacetanilide may be harmful if inhaled, leading to respiratory irritation and discomfort. It is important to ensure proper ventilation in areas where this chemical is used to minimize the risk of inhalation exposure. In case of accidental exposure or ingestion, immediate medical attention should be sought, and the relevant safety data sheet should be consulted for specific first aid measures.
Hazard Statements for m-Chloroacetanilide:
m-Chloroacetanilide is categorized as a hazardous chemical with several hazard statements. These include “Harmful if swallowed,” indicating the potential for gastrointestinal irritation and harm. “Causes skin irritation” highlights the risk of skin contact with this chemical, leading to irritation and possible dermatitis. “Causes serious eye damage” underscores the importance of protecting the eyes from exposure to m-Chloroacetanilide to prevent irreversible damage.
Precautionary Statements for m-Chloroacetanilide:
To mitigate the risks associated with m-Chloroacetanilide, several precautionary statements should be followed. These include wearing appropriate personal protective equipment, such as gloves, safety goggles, and protective clothing, to prevent skin and eye contact. It is important to handle this chemical in a well-ventilated area to minimize inhalation exposure. In case of accidental exposure, immediate medical attention should be sought, and contaminated clothing should be removed promptly to prevent further contact. Furthermore, m-Chloroacetanilide should be stored in a secure location away from incompatible substances to prevent potential chemical reactions and hazards.
🔬 Potential Research Directions
Potential research directions for m-Chloroacetanilide include exploring its role as a precursor in the synthesis of various organic compounds. This compound possesses unique structural attributes that may be of interest to researchers interested in developing new pharmaceuticals or agrochemicals. Additionally, further investigation into the reactivity of m-Chloroacetanilide with different reagents could lead to the development of novel synthetic methodologies.
Studies could also be conducted to elucidate the potential biological activities of m-Chloroacetanilide. This could involve screening its pharmacological properties, investigating its toxicity levels, or exploring its potential as a therapeutic agent. Such research could provide valuable insights into the compound’s potential applications in the fields of medicine and agriculture.
Furthermore, investigations into the environmental fate and effects of m-Chloroacetanilide could be of importance. Research in this area could provide valuable information on the compound’s behavior in different environmental compartments, its potential impact on ecosystems, and its persistence in the environment. Understanding these aspects is crucial for assessing the compound’s overall environmental risk and developing appropriate management strategies.
🧪 Related Compounds
One similar compound to m-Chloroacetanilide is p-Chloroacetanilide, which features a chlorine group attached to the para position of the acetanilide moiety. This compound shares similarities in structure with m-Chloroacetanilide, with the only difference being the position of the chlorine substitution. This positional isomer exhibits similar physicochemical properties due to its close structural resemblance to m-Chloroacetanilide.
Another related compound is o-Chloroacetanilide, where the chlorine group is situated at the ortho position of the acetanilide ring. This isomer differs from m-Chloroacetanilide in terms of the placement of the chlorine atom on the aromatic ring. Despite this positional variation, o-Chloroacetanilide still shares commonalities with m-Chloroacetanilide in terms of its molecular structure and chemical behavior. The presence of the chlorine group imparts unique properties to this compound compared to its meta and para isomers.
