Haloethers

Chemical properties

Haloethers have a wide range of physical and chemical properties; however, most are miscible in oils and soluble in organic solvents, such as benzene, carbon tetrachloride, and acetone. Chloromethyl methyl ether) is a clear, colorless liquid that is highly flammable and has a strong noxious and irritating odor. Bis-chloromethyl ether is also a clear, colorless liquid at room temperature and has a strong unpleasant and suffocating odor.

The Uses of Haloethers

Haloethers are compounds that contain an ether moiety and halogen atoms attached to the aryl or alkyl groups. Chloroethers are considered the most commercially significant haloethers and can be divided into alpha- and non-alpha chloroethers. One of the only commercially significant α-haloethers is chloromethyl methyl ether (CMME), which is primarily used as an alkylating agent and solvent for the manufacturing of water repellents, ion-exchange resins, and industrial polymers. It is also of toxicological importance. Bischloromethyl ether (BCME) is another α-haloether that is also known for its toxicity. Bis-chloromethyl ether was previously used to make polymers, resins, and textiles. However, it is only used in small quantities in fully enclosed systems tomake other chemicals with highly restricted use and used commercially due to its carcinogenicity. A β-chloroether of commercial significance is bis(2-chloroethyl) ether (BCE), which has been used in the textile, petroleum, and paint and varnish industries. It is used as a dewaxing agent, wetting and cleaning agent, and a penetrant. It also serves as a good solvent and extraction solvent for tars, fats, waxes, oils, grease, and resins. In addition, BCE is a by-product of the process for making ethylene oxide.