Benzyl Chloride

Description

Benzyl chloride, also known as α chlorotoluene, is an organic compound with the chemical formula C6H5CH2Cl. This compound is widely used in the synthesis of other benzyl compounds, in the manufacture of dyes, emollients, drugs, resins, and cosmetics.

Physical and Chemical Properties:

Benzyl chloride is a colorless to slightly yellow liquid with a pungent odor that is highly toxic and corrosive and is absorbed through the eyes and skin.

The most important physical and chemical properties of this compound can be summarized in the following table:

Chemical formula	C7H7Cl
Molecular Weight(g/mol)	126.58
Appearance	liquid
odor	Pungent, aromatic odor
Density (g/mL at 25 °C)	1.100
Melting point (° C)	−39 (−38 °F; 234 K)
Boiling point (° C)	179 (354 °F; 452 K)
Water Solubility	very slightly soluble
Solubility	soluble in ethanol, ethyl ether, chloroform, CCl4 miscible in organic solvents
Vapor pressure	1
Flash Point (°F)	153
color	Colorless to slightly yellow
form	liquid
Chemical Structure Depiction

Difference Between Benzyl Chloride and Benzoyl Chloride:

The main difference between benzyl chloride with the chemical formula C6H5CH2Cl and benzoyl chloride with the chemical formula C7H5ClO is that benzyl chloride is an aromatic halide compound while benzoyl chloride is an acyl halide compound.

The Production of Benzyl Chloride:

Industrial benzyl chloride is produced through the photochemical reaction of toluene gas with chlorine:

C6H5CH3 + Cl2 → C6H5CH2Cl + HCl

Another method of producing benzyl chloride by reaction between benzyl alcohol with hydrochloric acid:

C7H8O + HCl → C7H7Cl +H2O

Applications and Uses of Benzyl Chloride:

• This compound is used as a solvent for epoxy resin coatings, inks, and paints.
• It is used to benzylation amines and to prepare benzyl alcohol.
• Benzyl chloride is used in the synthesis of amphetamine drugs and has been declared a precursor chemical by the US Drug Enforcement Administration.
• This organic compound is used as a stimulant gas in chemical warfare.
• It is a precursor to a variety of esters used in perfumes, flavorings, and food additives.
• Due to its antifungal and antibacterial properties, it is used in making soaps, shampoos, and skin lotions.

Safety Information:

Eye: May cause chemical conjunctivitis and corneal damage.

Skin: Causes skin irritation.

Ingestion: Harmful if swallowed. May cause severe irritation of the digestive tract.

Inhalation: Causes respiratory tract irritation. Extreme exposures could result in a build-up of fluid in the lungs that might be fatal in severe cases.

Symptoms may include coughing, dizziness, weakness, headache, tremors in eyelids and fingers, increased bilirubin in the blood, and a decrease in the number of leukocytes.

Data are insufficient to provide evidence of cancer through exposure to benzyl chloride because the studies included a small number of cancer deaths and exposure to mixtures of chlorine compounds.

First-aid measures:

Eye Contact: In case of contact with eyes, immediately flush the eyes with plenty of water.

Skin Contact: Remove this material from the skin with plenty of soap and water.

Inhalation: Remove to fresh air immediately. If not breathing, give artificial respiration.

Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting. Get medical aid immediately. Call a poison control center.

Packing and Storage:

Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place away from incompatible materials, oxidizing agents, and flammable materials.