Chloroacetone

Chemical properties

colourless to dark yellow liquid

The Uses of Chloroacetone

Chloroacetone was used in the synthesis of double-chain nonionic surfactants with an acid decomposition function via acid-catalyzed condensation with fatty alcohols (octyl, decyl and dodecyl). It was also used in the synthesis of meso-tetramethyl tetrakis-(4-phenoxy acetone)calix[4]pyrrole. It can also be used to make dye couplers for color photography and used in the Feist-Benary synthesis of furans.

The Uses of Chloroacetone

Couplers for color photography, enzyme inactivator, insecticides, perfumes, intermediate, organic synthesis, tear gas, polymerization of vinyl monomers.

The Uses of Chloroacetone

Manufacture of couplers for color photography; intermediate in manufacture of perfumes, antioxidants, drugs, plant growth regulators, defoliants, and herbicides

Definition

A lachrymator.

Synthesis Reference(s)

Journal of the American Chemical Society, 77, p. 5274, 1955 DOI: 10.1021/ja01625a016
Synthesis, p. 188, 1987 DOI: 10.1055/s-1987-27886

General Description

A yellow-colored liquid with an irritating pungent odor. Light sensitive, but stabilized with the addition of small amounts of water and/or calcium carbonate. Slightly soluble in water and denser than water. Vapors much heavier than air. Irritates skin and eyes. Very toxic by ingestion or inhalation. Used to make other chemicals. A lachrymator.

Air & Water Reactions

Highly flammable. Water soluble.

Reactivity Profile

CHLOROACETONE turns dark and resinifies on prolonged exposure to light [Merck]. This occurred in a bottle during storage for two years on a shelf in diffused light. A few days after the bottle was moved, Chloroacetone exploded [Ind. Eng. News 9: 184(1931)]. Is stabilized by addition of 0.1% water or 0.1% CaCO3.

Hazard

Strong irritant to tissue, eyes, and mucous membranes; toxic by ingestion and skin contact. Upper respiratory tract irritant.

Health Hazard

TOXIC; may be fatal if inhaled, ingested or absorbed through skin. Inhalation or contact with some of these materials will irritate or burn skin and eyes. Fire will produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Vapors may cause dizziness or suffocation. Runoff from fire control or dilution water may cause pollution.

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 and poison 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.

Flammability and Explosibility

Flammable

Safety Profile

Poison by inhalation, ingestion, and skin contact. Mutation data reported. A lachrymator poison gas. See also CHLORINATED HYDROCARBONS, ALIPHATIC; ACETONE. Flammable when exposed to heat or flame, or oxidizers. Old material can explode. When heated to decomposition it emits highly toxic fumes.

Purification Methods

Dissolve it in water and shake it repeatedly with small amounts of diethyl ether which extracts, preferentially, 1,1-dichloroacetone present as an impurity. The chloroacetone is then extracted from the aqueous phase using a large amount of diethyl ether, and distilled at slightly reduced pressure. It is dried with CaCl2 and stored at Dry-ice temperature. Alternatively, it was stood over CaSO4, distilled and stored over CaSO4. It is steam volatile. The 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazone forms yellow needles from EtOH with m 120o or 124o. [Beilstein 1 IV 3215.] LACHRYMATOR with toxic vapour.