Benzyl 2-chloroacetate

Chemical properties

Benzyl 2-chloroacetate is a colorless, slightly viscous liquid. Insoluble in water, soluble in alcohol and oils. Sp.Gr = 1.22. Mild, Jasmin-type odor, floral-fruity, of considerable tenacity.

The Uses of Benzyl 2-chloroacetate

Benzyl chloroacetate may be used:

• in the synthesis of monoesters of phosphonoacetic acid
• in the synthesis of N-benzoyl-glycyl- hydroxyl acetic acid, ester substrate for carboxypeptidase Y catalyzed peptide synthesis
• as reagent in the total syntheses of the (±)-di-O-methyl ethers of the norlignans sequirin-A, agatharesinol, and hinokiresinol, and of (±)-tri-O-methyl sequirin-E

Preparation

From Benzyl alcohol and Monochloroacetic acid by direct esterification under azeotropic conditions.

General Description

Benzyl chloroacetate is an ester. Could find usc in Jasmin, Lilac. Appleblossom fragrances, particularly for soap, where this ester has greater fixative effect than the Benzyl acetate. However, this ester must be absolutely acid-free to be permitted or recommended for use in any cosmetic product. The acid is highly corrosive. Older odor-descriptions of this ester seem to indicate that the product has not always been very pure.

Safety Profile

Moderately toxic byintraperitoneal route. When heated todecomposition it emits toxic fumes of Cl^- .