Acyl chloride
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Acyl chlorides are organic compounds containing the functional group -C(=O)Cl, with the general formula R-COCl, where R is a side chain.
Contents
General properties
Acyl chlorides are volatile fuming liquids that react with water to form hydrogen chloride and the carboxylic acid of the respective acyl chloride. Due to the Cl substituent, acyl chlorides do not form hydrogen bonds, which causes them to have have lower boiling and melting points than their corresponding carboxylic acid.
Acyl chlorides readily hydrolyze in water to give the corresponding carboxylic acid and hydrochloric acid.
- RCOCl + H2O → RCO2H + HCl
Acyl chlorides can react with the salt of the corresponding carboxylic acid to give the anhydride of the said acid.
For example, acetyl chloride will react with sodium acetate to give acetic anhydride:
- CH3COCl + CH3COONa → (CH3CO)2O + NaCl
Availability
Due to their hazards, acyl chlorides are difficult if not impossible to get by the amateur chemist.
Some acyl chlorides, as acetyl chloride, may be monitored in many countries due to their use in the production of acetic anhydride, a DEA List II substance.
Preparation
Acyl chlorides can be prepared by reacting a carboxylic acid or its salt with a chlorodehydrating agent, such as PCl3, PCl5 or SOCl2. Phosgene can also be used, but its great toxicity makes this route dangerous.
Safety
Acyl chlorides are corrosive and very toxic. Wear proper protection when working with them.
