Substance profile
Benzoyl chloride
Benzoyl chloride is a liquid with a penetrating odor.
01 · Identification
What Benzoyl chloride is
Benzoyl chloride is a liquid with a penetrating odor. Its molecular formula is C7H5ClO and its molecular weight is 140.56 g/mol. It boils at 201 °C, melts at -0.5 °C.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger. It is classed as carcinogens.
02 · GHS classification
Hazards and label elements
Harmonised classification under CLP Annex VI. This is the legally binding classification in the EU; other jurisdictions may differ.
| Code | Hazard statement |
|---|---|
| H332 | Harmful if inhaled. |
| H312 | Harmful in contact with skin. |
| H302 | Harmful if swallowed. |
| H314 | Causes severe skin burns and eye damage. |
| H317 | May cause an allergic skin reaction. |
Precautionary statements: P260, P261, P270, P271, P272, P280, P301, P302, P304, P310, P312, P313, P330, P331, P333, P352
03 · Physical and chemical properties
Benzoyl chloride properties
Every value is shown with the conditions it was measured under and the source it came from. Where sources disagree, all values are listed rather than one being picked — the difference is usually a different form of the substance, not an error.
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boiling point | 201 °C (393.8 °F) | HSDB | |
| 197.2 °C (387 °F) | at 760 mmHg | HSDB | |
| 197.22 °C (387 °F) | at 760 mmHg | CAMEO | |
| Melting point | -0.5 °C (31.1 °F) | HSDB | |
| -1 °C (30.2 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| Density | 1.21 g/cm³ | ICSC | |
| 1.207 g/cm³ | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| 1.211 g/cm³ | at 25 °C | CAMEO | |
| Solubility | Miscible with ethyl ether; soluble in benzene, carbon tetrachloride, carbon disulfide | HSDB | |
| Decomposed by water, alcohol | decomposes | HSDB | |
| Decomposes (NTP, 1992) | decomposes | CAMEO | |
| Vapor pressure | 0.4 mmHg | at 20 °C | CAMEO |
| 0.375 mmHg | at 20 °C | ICSC | |
| 0.7 mmHg | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Flash point | 72 °C (161.6 °F) | HSDB | |
| 72.22 °C (162 °F) | HSDB | ||
| 68 °C (154.4 °F) | closed cup | HSDB | |
| Autoignition temperature | 197.2 °C (387 °F) | ICSC | |
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | 1.2 % by volume | HSDB | |
| 2.5 % by volume | ICSC | ||
| Upper explosive limit (UEL) | 4.9 % by volume | HSDB | |
| 27 % by volume | ICSC | ||
| Vapor density | 4.88 (air = 1) | HSDB | |
| Corrosivity | Slow corrosion of metals | HSDB |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling Benzoyl chloride
Storage conditions
Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place. Containers which are opened must be carefully resealed and kept upright to prevent leakage. Store under inert gas. Moisture sensitive. Storage class (TRGS 510): Combustible, corrosive hazardous materials.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
Incompatible materials: Strong oxidizing agents, strong bases, alcohols.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
BENZOYL CHLORIDE reacts violently with protic solvents such as alcohols, with amines and amides (for example dimethylformamide [Bretherick 1979 p. 6] ) and with inorganic bases. Causes the violent decomposition of dimethyl sulfoxide [Chem. Eng. News 35(9): 87 1957]. 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]. Friedel-Crafts acylation of naphthalene using benzoyl chloride, catalyzed by AlCl3, must be conducted above the melting point of the mixture, or the reaction may be violent [Clar, E. et al., Tetrahedron, 1974, 30, 3296].
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Benzoyl chloride in the storage compatibility matrix →