2-Chloroethyl chloroformate

Chemical properties

Clear colorless liquid

The Uses of 2-Chloroethyl chloroformate

2-Chloroethyl Chloroformate is a reactant used in the preparation of artemisinin-derived dimer carbonates and thiocarbonates with antimalarial activity.

General Description

Liquid.

Air & Water Reactions

Decomposed slowly by water forming ethanol, HCl, and CO2; on contact with moist air, 2-Chloroethyl chloroformate gives off HCl fumes; attacks many metals especially in humid atmosphere. REF [Handling Chemicals Safely, 1980. p. 476].

Reactivity Profile

2-Chloroethyl chloroformate is an acid halide. Acid halides are water reactive; some are violently reactive. They are incompatible with strong oxidizing agents, alcohols, amines, alkali. May react vigorously or explosively if mixed with diisopropyl ether or other ethers in the presence of trace amounts of metal salts [J. Haz. Mat., 1981, 4, 291].

Health Hazard

(Non-Specific -- Ethyl Chloroformate) Poisonous; may be fatal if inhaled, swallowed or absorbed through skin. Contact may cause burns to skin and eyes.

Safety Profile

Poison by inhalation. May also cause fatahties by ingestion or skin contact. May cause burns to the eyes and skin. When heated to decomposition it emits toxic fumes of Cl-

Purification Methods

Purify it by fractional distillation, preferably in a vacuum and store it in a dry atmosphere. [Jones J Chem Soc 2735 1957, Beilstein 3 IV 24.]