2109. Chloroacetaldehyde

Nomenclature

CAS number: 107-20-0
2-Chloro-1-ethanal; monochloroacetaldehyde.
C2H3ClO; mol wt 78.50.
C 30.60%, H 3.85%, Cl 45.16%, O 20.38%.
ClCH2CHO.

Description and references

Prepd industrially by carefully controlled chlorination of acetaldehyde: S"oll, DE 844595 (1943 to Knapsack-Griesheim); Shawinigan Chem. Ltd., GB 644914 (1947); Guinot, Tabuteau, Compt. Rend. 231, 234 (1950); FR 1012991 (1950 to Comp. des Prod. Chim. et Electrometallurg.).

Properties

Liquid. Acrid, penetrating odor. bp760 85-86°. The anhydr substance polymerizes on standing but reverts to the monomer on distillation.

Derivative

Hemihydrate.

Properties

Probably ClCH2CH(OH)OCH(OH)CH2Cl, platelets from water, mp 43-50°, bp 85.5° with decompn into water and chloraldehyde. Sol in water, alcohol, ether.

Caution

Potential symptoms of overexposure are irritation of eyes, skin and mucous membranes; skin burns; eye damage; pulmonary edema; skin, respiratory system sensitization. See NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards (DHHS/NIOSH 97-140, 1997) p 60.

Use

In the manufacture of 2-aminothiazole; to facilitate bark removal from tree trunks.