Difference between revisions of "Thionyl chloride"

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(Created page with "{{Chembox | Name = Thionyl chloride | Reference = | IUPACName = Sulfurous dichloride | PIN = | SystematicName = | OtherNames = Dichlorosulfoxide<br>Sulfinyl chloride<br>Sulfin...")
 
 
(17 intermediate revisions by 3 users not shown)
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| OtherNames = Dichlorosulfoxide<br>Sulfinyl chloride<br>Sulfinyl dichloride<br>Sulfur monoxide dichloride<br>Sulfur oxide dichloride<br>Sulfurous oxychloride<br>Sulfuryl(IV) chloride<br>Thionyl dichloride
 
| OtherNames = Dichlorosulfoxide<br>Sulfinyl chloride<br>Sulfinyl dichloride<br>Sulfur monoxide dichloride<br>Sulfur oxide dichloride<br>Sulfurous oxychloride<br>Sulfuryl(IV) chloride<br>Thionyl dichloride
 
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| ImageFile = Thionyl chloride beaker bottle by ChemicalForce.jpg
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| ImageSize = 300
 
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| ImageAlt =  
 
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| ImageCaption = Thionyl chloride sample, fuming in open air.
 
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| BoilingPt_ref =  
 
| BoilingPt_ref =  
 
| BoilingPt_notes =  
 
| BoilingPt_notes =  
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| Density = 1.638 g/cm<sup>3</sup> (At 20 °C)
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| Density = 1.638 g/cm<sup>3</sup> (at 20 °C)
 
| Formula = SOCl<sub>2</sub>
 
| Formula = SOCl<sub>2</sub>
 
| HenryConstant =  
 
| HenryConstant =  
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| pKb =  
 
| pKb =  
 
| Solubility = Reacts
 
| Solubility = Reacts
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| SolubleOther = Miscible with [[benzene]], [[carbon tetrachloride]], [[chloroform]]
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| SolubleOther = Reacts with [[alcohol]]s, [[aldehyde]]s, [[carboxylic acid]]s, [[ketone]]s, [[Dimethylformamide|DMF]], [[Dimethyl sulfoxide|DMSO]]<br>Miscible with [[benzene]], [[carbon tetrachloride]], [[chloroform]], [[ether]]s, [[toluene]]
 
| Solvent =  
 
| Solvent =  
 
| VaporPressure = 15.7 kPa (25 °C)<br>4.7 kPa (0 °C)<br>384 Pa (-40 °C)
 
| VaporPressure = 15.7 kPa (25 °C)<br>4.7 kPa (0 °C)<br>384 Pa (-40 °C)
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'''Thionyl chloride''' is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula '''SOCl<sub>2</sub>'''. It is an extremely useful compound in chemistry, but it is extremely dangerous and toxic.
 
'''Thionyl chloride''' is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula '''SOCl<sub>2</sub>'''. It is an extremely useful compound in chemistry, but it is extremely dangerous and toxic.
  
−
Thionyl chloride is sometimes confused with [[sulfuryl chloride]], SO<sub>2</sub>Cl<sub>2</sub>, but the properties of these compounds differ significantly: Thionyl chloride is a source of chloride ions, while sulfuryl chloride is a source of [[chlorine]].
+
Thionyl chloride is sometimes confused with [[sulfuryl chloride]], SO<sub>2</sub>Cl<sub>2</sub>, but the properties of these compounds differ significantly: Thionyl chloride is a source of ''chloride'' ions, while [[sulfuryl chloride]] is a source of ''[[chlorine]]''.
  
 
==Properties==
 
==Properties==
 
===Chemical===
 
===Chemical===
 
Thionyl chloride reacts on contact with water to form [[sulfur dioxide]] and [[hydrogen chloride]]/[[hydrochloric acid]] mist, process which is extremely exothermic:
 
Thionyl chloride reacts on contact with water to form [[sulfur dioxide]] and [[hydrogen chloride]]/[[hydrochloric acid]] mist, process which is extremely exothermic:
−
:SOCl<sub>2</sub> + H<sub>2</sub>O → 2 HCl + SO<sub>2</sub>
+
: SOCl<sub>2</sub> + H<sub>2</sub>O → 2 HCl + SO<sub>2</sub>
  
 
Thionyl chloride will convert [[carboxylic acid]]s to [[acyl chloride]]s:
 
Thionyl chloride will convert [[carboxylic acid]]s to [[acyl chloride]]s:
−
:SOCl<sub>2</sub> + RCO<sub>2</sub>H → RC(O)Cl + SO<sub>2</sub> + HCl
+
: SOCl<sub>2</sub> + RCO<sub>2</sub>H → RC(O)Cl + SO<sub>2</sub> + HCl
  
 
This reaction can be used to synthesize [[acetic anhydride]].
 
This reaction can be used to synthesize [[acetic anhydride]].
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==Availability==
 
==Availability==
−
Thionyl chloride is sold by various chemical suppliers, but due to its hazards it's not available to the amateur chemist.
+
Thionyl chloride is sold by various chemical suppliers, but due to its hazards it's generally not available to the amateur chemist. Its sale is regulated in many places.
  
 
Certain batteries contain small amounts of thionyl chloride, but it's impractical to extract it.
 
Certain batteries contain small amounts of thionyl chloride, but it's impractical to extract it.
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==Preparation==
 
==Preparation==
−
Unlike is similar compound [[sulfuryl chloride]], thionyl chloride is difficult to prepare.
+
Unlike its similar compound [[sulfuryl chloride]], thionyl chloride is much more difficult to synthesize.
  
 
Industrially it's prepared by reacting [[sulfur trioxide]] with [[sulfur dichloride]]:
 
Industrially it's prepared by reacting [[sulfur trioxide]] with [[sulfur dichloride]]:
 
:SO<sub>3</sub> + SCl<sub>2</sub> → SOCl<sub>2</sub> + SO<sub>2</sub>
 
:SO<sub>3</sub> + SCl<sub>2</sub> → SOCl<sub>2</sub> + SO<sub>2</sub>
 +
 +
[[Oleum]] can be used instead of sulfur trioxide, and this is usually preferred, as pure sulfur trioxide is a nightmare to produce, purify, store and use, while oleum is much easier to handle, even though it's not a pleasant experience either. The higher the sulfur trioxide concentration, the better the reaction yield is.
  
 
The resulting thionyl chloride is extracted via fractional distillation, best in low light conditions, under dry atmosphere.
 
The resulting thionyl chloride is extracted via fractional distillation, best in low light conditions, under dry atmosphere.
 +
 +
SM user Magpie has made a small amount of thionyl chloride.
  
 
A more dangerous method involves the reaction between [[sulfur dioxide]] and [[phosgene]]:
 
A more dangerous method involves the reaction between [[sulfur dioxide]] and [[phosgene]]:
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==Projects==
 
==Projects==
−
*Make acyl chloride
+
*Make acyl chlorides
 
*Make anhydrous metal chlorides
 
*Make anhydrous metal chlorides
−
*Make anhydrous alcoholic solutions of HCl  
+
*Make anhydrous alcoholic solutions of HCl
  
 
==Handling==
 
==Handling==
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===Disposal===
 
===Disposal===
−
Thionyl chloride can be safely neutralized with an alkaline slurry or with dry calcium or sodium carbonate or bicarbonate.
+
Thionyl chloride can be safely neutralized by adding it to an alkaline slurry or with dry calcium or sodium carbonate or bicarbonate. Neutralization must be done outside, or in a fumehood, as the neutralization releases a corrosive mist of HCl.
  
 
==References==
 
==References==
 
<references/>
 
<references/>
 
===Relevant Sciencemadness threads===
 
===Relevant Sciencemadness threads===
 +
*[http://www.sciencemadness.org/talk/viewthread.php?tid=78645 Preparation of Thionyl Chloride]
 
*[http://www.sciencemadness.org/talk/viewthread.php?tid=11763 thionyl chloride synthesis]
 
*[http://www.sciencemadness.org/talk/viewthread.php?tid=11763 thionyl chloride synthesis]
 
*[http://www.sciencemadness.org/talk/viewthread.php?tid=1439 HELP! need thionyl chloride(SOCl2) synthesis]
 
*[http://www.sciencemadness.org/talk/viewthread.php?tid=1439 HELP! need thionyl chloride(SOCl2) synthesis]
 
*[http://www.sciencemadness.org/talk/viewthread.php?tid=9407 thionyl chloride and potassium dichromate]
 
*[http://www.sciencemadness.org/talk/viewthread.php?tid=9407 thionyl chloride and potassium dichromate]
 +
 +
{{Template:Sulfur compounds}}
 +
{{Template:Oxygen compounds}}
  
 
[[Category:Chemical compounds]]
 
[[Category:Chemical compounds]]
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[[Category:Sulfur compounds]]
 
[[Category:Sulfur compounds]]
 
[[Category:Chlorine compounds]]
 
[[Category:Chlorine compounds]]
 +
[[Category:Chlorides]]
 
[[Category:Materials that react with water]]
 
[[Category:Materials that react with water]]
 
[[Category:Materials unstable in basic solution]]
 
[[Category:Materials unstable in basic solution]]
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[[Category:Things that should NOT be messed with except by professionals]]
 
[[Category:Things that should NOT be messed with except by professionals]]
 
[[Category:Choking agents]]
 
[[Category:Choking agents]]
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[[Category:DEA SS List]]
 
[[Category:Schedule 3 chemicals]]
 
[[Category:Schedule 3 chemicals]]
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[[Category:Irritants]]
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[[Category:Chlorinating agents]]
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[[Category:Corrosive chemicals]]
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[[Category:Liquids]]
 +
[[Category:Oxygen compounds]]

Latest revision as of 21:18, 22 October 2022

Thionyl chloride
Thionyl chloride beaker bottle by ChemicalForce.jpg
Thionyl chloride sample, fuming in open air.
Names
IUPAC name
Sulfurous dichloride
Other names
Dichlorosulfoxide
Sulfinyl chloride
Sulfinyl dichloride
Sulfur monoxide dichloride
Sulfur oxide dichloride
Sulfurous oxychloride
Sulfuryl(IV) chloride
Thionyl dichloride
Identifiers
Jmol-3D images Image
Properties
SOCl2
Molar mass 118.97 g/mol
Appearance Colorless fuming liquid (fresh)
Yellowish fuming liquid (old)
Odor Suffocating, sulfur dioxide-like
Density 1.638 g/cm3 (at 20 °C)
Melting point −104.5 °C (−156.1 °F; 168.7 K)
Boiling point 74.6 °C (166.3 °F; 347.8 K)
Reacts
Solubility Reacts with alcohols, aldehydes, carboxylic acids, ketones, DMF, DMSO
Miscible with benzene, carbon tetrachloride, chloroform, ethers, toluene
Vapor pressure 15.7 kPa (25 °C)
4.7 kPa (0 °C)
384 Pa (-40 °C)
Thermochemistry
309.8 kJ/mol (gas)
-245.6 kJ/mol (liquid)
Hazards
Safety data sheet ScinceLab
Flash point Non-flammable
Related compounds
Related compounds
 Sulfuryl chloride
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
Infobox references

Thionyl chloride is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula SOCl2. It is an extremely useful compound in chemistry, but it is extremely dangerous and toxic.

Thionyl chloride is sometimes confused with sulfuryl chloride, SO2Cl2, but the properties of these compounds differ significantly: Thionyl chloride is a source of chloride ions, while sulfuryl chloride is a source of chlorine.

Properties

Chemical

Thionyl chloride reacts on contact with water to form sulfur dioxide and hydrogen chloride/hydrochloric acid mist, process which is extremely exothermic:

SOCl2 + H2O → 2 HCl + SO2

Thionyl chloride will convert carboxylic acids to acyl chlorides:

SOCl2 + RCO2H → RC(O)Cl + SO2 + HCl

This reaction can be used to synthesize acetic anhydride.

Physical

Thionyl chloride is a colorless oily liquid that fumes in air. Old samples have a yellowish color, due to decomposition. Light accelerates its decomposition. Thionyl chloride reacts with water, carboxylic acids, alcohols and all protic solvents. It is however miscible and soluble in most aprotic solvents, such as benzene, carbon tetrachloride, chloroform, diethyl ether, toluene, xylene. Thionyl chloride melts at −104.5 °C and boils at 74.6 °C. It has a density of 1.638 g/cm3 at 20 °C.

Availability

Thionyl chloride is sold by various chemical suppliers, but due to its hazards it's generally not available to the amateur chemist. Its sale is regulated in many places.

Certain batteries contain small amounts of thionyl chloride, but it's impractical to extract it.

Thionyl chloride is listed on schedule 3 of the Chemical Weapons Convention and ordering large amounts may draw attention of the authorities.

Preparation

Unlike its similar compound sulfuryl chloride, thionyl chloride is much more difficult to synthesize.

Industrially it's prepared by reacting sulfur trioxide with sulfur dichloride:

SO3 + SCl2 → SOCl2 + SO2

Oleum can be used instead of sulfur trioxide, and this is usually preferred, as pure sulfur trioxide is a nightmare to produce, purify, store and use, while oleum is much easier to handle, even though it's not a pleasant experience either. The higher the sulfur trioxide concentration, the better the reaction yield is.

The resulting thionyl chloride is extracted via fractional distillation, best in low light conditions, under dry atmosphere.

SM user Magpie has made a small amount of thionyl chloride.

A more dangerous method involves the reaction between sulfur dioxide and phosgene:

SO2 + COCl2 → SOCl2 + CO2

However, due to phosgene's extreme toxicity, it's best to avoid this reaction all together.

Projects

  • Make acyl chlorides
  • Make anhydrous metal chlorides
  • Make anhydrous alcoholic solutions of HCl

Handling

Safety

Thionyl chloride is extremely toxic and should not be handled unless you're a professional. It reacts violently with water to give sulfur dioxide and hydrochloric acid, which are toxic and corrosive.

Storage

Thionyl chloride is best stored in sealed bottles, in a special cabinet, away from any light and moisture.

Disposal

Thionyl chloride can be safely neutralized by adding it to an alkaline slurry or with dry calcium or sodium carbonate or bicarbonate. Neutralization must be done outside, or in a fumehood, as the neutralization releases a corrosive mist of HCl.

References

Relevant Sciencemadness threads

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