7998. Diethyl Pyrocarbonate

Nomenclature

CAS number: 1609-47-8
Dicarbonic acid C,C′-diethyl ester; oxydiformic acid diethyl ester; diethyl dicarbonate; diethyl oxydiformate; pyrocarbonic acid diethyl ester; DEPC; Ue-5908; Baycovin.
C6H10O5; mol wt 162.14.
C 44.45%, H 6.22%, O 49.34%.

Description and references

Prepd according to the equation R1OOCCl + NaOCOOR2 → R1OOCOCOOR2 + NaCl: Kovalenko, Zh. Obshch. Khim. 22, 1546 (1952); Thoma, Rinke, Ann. 624, 30 (1959); alternate method: Degering et al., J. Am. Pharm. Assoc. Sci. Ed. 39, 626 (1950). Review: Handbook of Food Additives, T. A. Furia, Ed. (Chemical Rubber Co., Cleveland, 1968) pp 181-185.

Chemical structure

Properties

Viscous liquid. Fruity odor. Flammable. Irritant. d420 1.12. Flash pt, closed cup: 156°F (69°C). Viscosity at 20° = 1.97 cP. Soluble in alcohols, esters, ketones, hydrocarbons. A 50% w/w soln in ethanol may be prepd. Slowly sol in water with hydrolytic decompn yielding ethanol and CO2.

Caution

Concd DEPC is irritating to eyes, mucous membranes and skin.

Use

Gentle esterifying agent. Preservative for wines, soft drinks, fruit juices.