Chloromethyl chloroformate

Chemical properties

Chloromethyl chloroformate is Clear Colourless Oil

The Uses of Chloromethyl chloroformate

Chloromethyl chloroformate is used as an intermediate in pharmaceuticals and in manufacture other chemicals. It acts as a reactant in the synthesis of aminocarbonyloxymethyl esters of diclofenac, flufenamic acid and in monomethoxypoly(ethyleneglycol) prodrugs of cyclosporin A.

The Uses of Chloromethyl chloroformate

Chloromethyl chloroformate is used as a reagent in the synthesis of carbamates and carbonates.

Synthesis Reference(s)

Journal of the American Chemical Society, 106, p. 1808, 1984 DOI: 10.1021/ja00318a042

General Description

Chloromethyl chloroformate is a colorless liquid with a penetrating, irritating odor. Denser than water. Contact may irritate skin, eyes and mucous membranes. Toxic by ingestion, inhalation and skin absorption. Used to make other chemicals.

Air & Water Reactions

Reacts with moisture in air to generate heat and hydrochloric acid fumes [Merck, 11th ed., 1989]. Reacts with water.

Reactivity Profile

CHLOROMETHYLCHLOROFORMATE is water reactive. Incompatible with strong oxidizing agents, alcohols, bases (including amines). May react vigorously or explosively if mixed with diisopropyl ether or other ethers in the presence of trace amounts of metal salts [J. Haz. Mat., 1981, 4, 291].

Health Hazard

TOXIC; inhalation, ingestion or contact (skin, eyes) with vapors, dusts or substance may cause severe injury, burns or death. Reaction with water or moist air will release toxic, corrosive or flammable gases. Reaction with water may generate much heat that will increase the concentration of fumes in the air. Fire will produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Runoff from fire control or dilution water may be corrosive and/or toxic and cause pollution.

Fire Hazard

Non-combustible, substance itself does not burn but may decompose upon heating to produce corrosive and/or toxic fumes. Vapors may accumulate in confined areas (basement, tanks, hopper/tank cars etc.). Substance will react with water (some violently), releasing corrosive and/or toxic gases and runoff. Contact with metals may evolve flammable hydrogen gas. Containers may explode when heated or if contaminated with water.