Ethyl chloroformate
Ethyl chloroformate (CAS 541-41-3), with the linear formula ClCOOC₂H₅ and a molecular weight of 108.52 g/mol, is a key organic building block and reagent. It is an acid halide primarily used in chemical synthesis for derivatisation and in the formation of various organic compounds like nitrile oxides. Available at a minimum assay of 97%, it serves as a versatile intermediate in pharmaceutical and chemical research applications.
- IUPAC
- Chloroformic acid ethyl ester
- Synonyms
- Chloroformic acid ethyl esterEthyl chlorocarbonateCarbonochloridic acid ethyl ester
Synthesis of Nitrile Oxides
Ethyl chloroformate has been utilised as a reagent in the synthesis of nitrile oxides, which are versatile intermediates in organic chemistry. This application highlights its role in constructing specific functional groups for further chemical transformations.
Derivatisation Reagent for Chiral Analysis
This compound serves as a derivatisation reagent for analysing the stereochemical conversion of chiral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. It enables precise investigation of stereochemical changes during reaction processes.
Template Strategy in Nanolithography
Ethyl chloroformate has been employed in developing flexible template strategies for generating nanometer-scale templates. This application demonstrates its utility in advanced materials science and nanofabrication techniques.
Enantiomeric Analysis of Amino Acids
It functions as a derivatisation reagent in the enantiomeric analysis of amino acids. This is particularly relevant in two-dimensional gas chromatography for separating and quantifying enantiomers.
Conversion of Carboxylic Acids to Nitriles
In conjunction with ammonia and cyanuric chloride, ethyl chloroformate facilitates the conversion of carboxylic acids into nitriles. This provides a synthetic route to nitrile functionalities.
| Molecular weight | 108.52 |
|---|---|
| Linear formula | ClCOOC2H5 |
| Assay | 97% |
| Boiling point | 93 °C(lit.) |
| Density | 1.135 g/mL at 25 °C(lit.) |
| Refractive index | n20/D 1.395(lit.) |
| Solubility | alcohol: misciblebenzene: misciblechloroform: misciblediethyl ether: misciblewater: insoluble |
| Melting point | −81 °C(lit.) |
| Vapour pressure | 3.42 psi (20 °C) |
| Vapour density | 3.74 (vs air) |
| Autoignition temp | 842 °F |
| Application | • Ethyl chloroformate was used in the synthesis of nitrile oxides1. • It was used as derivatization reagent to investigate stereochemical conversion of chiral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs during derivatization reaction2. • It was used to develop flexible template strategy for the generation of nanometer-scale templates via dip-pen nanolithography3.• It was used as derivatization reagent in an enantiomeric analysis of amino acids by two-dimensional gas chromatography4. • It was also used with ammonia and cyanuric chloride to convert carboxylic acids to nitriles5. |
Hazard statements
- H225Highly flammable liquid and vapour
- H302Harmful if swallowed
- H314Causes severe skin burns and eye damage
- H330Fatal if inhaled
Precautionary statements
- P210Keep away from heat, sparks and open flames. No smoking
- P260Do not breathe dust, fume, gas, mist, vapours or spray
- P280Wear protective gloves, clothing and eye/face protection
- P284Wear respiratory protection
- P305IF IN EYES
- P310Immediately call a POISON CENTER or doctor
| Protective equipment | Faceshields, full-face respirator (US), Gloves, Goggles, multi-purpose combination respirator cartridge (US), type ABEK (EN14387) respirator filter |
|---|---|
| Flash point | 10 °C / 50 °F |
| Transport (UN / ADR) | UN 1182 6.1/PG 1 |
| Water hazard class (WGK, DE) | 1 |
| Hazard codes (EU) | F,T+ |
| Risk statements (R) | 11-22-26-34 |
| Safety statements (S) | 9-16-26-28-33-36/37/39-45 |
Hazard information is provided for guidance. Always consult the product Safety Data Sheet (SDS), available on request, before handling.
Documentation
Every batch ships with a Certificate of Analysis covering assay, identity and purity; the grade is confirmed against your enquiry. Safety Data Sheets and technical data sheets are available on request.
Supply & logistics
Samples for technical evaluation; bulk MOQ by grade and packaging. In-stock material ships in 7–10 working days, worldwide, with full export documentation.
What is Ethyl chloroformate primarily used for?
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Ethyl chloroformate (CAS 541-41-3) is primarily used as a reagent in chemical synthesis, particularly for the preparation of nitrile oxides, as a derivatisation agent in chiral analysis of drugs and amino acids, and in nanolithography template strategies. It is also used to convert carboxylic acids to nitriles.
What are the CAS number and formula for Ethyl chloroformate?
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The CAS number for Ethyl chloroformate is 541-41-3, and its linear formula is ClCOOC₂H₅.
What grade and purity does Tech Serve Solutions supply?
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Tech Serve Solutions supplies Ethyl chloroformate with a minimum assay of 97%. This product is suitable for research and general chemical synthesis purposes. We do not represent this product as meeting USP, BP, or EP pharmacopoeia standards.
How should Ethyl chloroformate be handled safely?
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Ethyl chloroformate is a highly hazardous substance, labelled with GHS symbols indicating it is flammable, harmful if swallowed, causes severe skin burns and eye damage, and is fatal if inhaled. It requires extreme caution, including the use of full-face respirators, chemical-resistant gloves, goggles, and protective clothing. Always handle in a well-ventilated area or fume hood, away from ignition sources, and follow all P-statements (e.g., P210, P260, P280, P305+P351+P338, P310).
How is Ethyl chloroformate packed, shipped, and exported?
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Ethyl chloroformate is carefully packed and prepared for domestic and international shipment by Tech Serve Solutions, adhering to all relevant transportation regulations for hazardous materials. As a global supplier, we facilitate export to various regions.
How can I request a quote or sample of Ethyl chloroformate?
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To request a quote or a sample of Ethyl chloroformate, please contact our sales team through the website or by phone. Provide the product name, CAS number (541-41-3), and desired quantity, and we will promptly assist you.
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