2-Chloropropane

Chemical properties

Colourless liquid

The Uses of 2-Chloropropane

2-Chloropropane is used as a solvent and an intermediate. It shows anesthetic properties. Further, it is used as an alternative foam-blowing agent. It is used to prepare chlorodiethylisopropylsilane.

Air & Water Reactions

Highly flammable. Slightly soluble in water.

Reactivity Profile

Halogenated aliphatic compounds, such as 2-Chloropropane, are moderately or very reactive. Reactivity generally decreases with increased degree of substitution of halogen for hydrogen atoms. Low molecular weight haloalkanes are highly flammable and can react with some metals to form dangerous products. Materials in this group are incompatible with strong oxidizing and reducing agents. Also, they are incompatible with many amines, nitrides, azo/diazo compounds, alkali metals, and epoxides.

Health Hazard

ACUTE/CHRONIC HAZARDS: Fire hazard: Highly dangerous; when exposed to heat, flame or oxidizers. Explosion hazard: Moderate when exposed to heat or flame.

Fire Hazard

HIGHLY FLAMMABLE: Will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames. Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air. Vapors may travel to source of ignition and flash back. Most vapors are heavier than air. They will spread along ground and collect in low or confined areas (sewers, basements, tanks). Vapor explosion hazard indoors, outdoors or in sewers. Runoff to sewer may create fire or explosion hazard. Containers may explode when heated. Many liquids are lighter than water.

Safety Profile

Mutation data reported. A flammable liquid. A very dangerous fire hazard when exposed to heat, flame, or oxidners. When heated to decomposition it emits toxic fumes of Cl-. See also 1 CHLOROPROPANE.

Applications

2-Chloropropane is used in various applications due to its unique properties. Some of its notable applications are:
Solvent: It is used as a solvent for resins, coatings, and polymers due to its high solvency power. It is also used in cleaning and degreasing applications.
Intermediate: It is used as an intermediate in the synthesis of various organic compounds such as pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and perfumes. It is also used in the production of alkylating agents and quaternary ammonium salts.
Reagent: 2-Chloropropane is used as a reagent in organic synthesis. It can be used to introduce a chloro group into a molecule or to prepare other alkyl halides.

Purification Methods

Purify the chloride with 95% H2SO4 as described for isopropyl bromide, then dry with MgSO4, P2O5 or CaH2, and fractionally distil it from Na2CO3 or CaH2. Alternatively, a stream of oxygen containing ca 5% ozone is passed through the chloride for about three times as long as is necessary to obtain the first coloration of starch iodide paper by the exit gas, and the liquid is then washed with NaHCO3 solution to hydrolyse ozonides and remove organic acids before drying and distilling. [Beilstein 1 IV 191.]