Substance profile
Butyryl chloride
Butyryl chloride is a colorless liquid with a pungent acid chloride odor.
01 · Identification
What Butyryl chloride is
Butyryl chloride is a colorless liquid with a pungent acid chloride odor. Its molecular formula is C4H7ClO and its molecular weight is 106.55 g/mol. It boils at 102 °C, melts at -89 °C.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger. It is classed as flammable agents - 3rd degree.
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 |
|---|---|
| H225 | Highly flammable liquid and vapour. |
| H314 | Causes severe skin burns and eye damage. |
Precautionary statements: P210, P233, P241, P242, P260, P280, P301, P310, P331, P403
03 · Physical and chemical properties
Butyryl 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 | 102.22 °C (216 °F) | at 760 mmHg | CAMEO |
| 101.5 °C (214.7 °F) | range, midpoint shown | HSDB | |
| Melting point | -89 °C (-128.2 °F) | HSDB | |
| -88.89 °C (-128 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| Density | 1.0263 g/cm³ | at 20.6 °C | HSDB |
| 1.0277 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | CAMEO | |
| Solubility | Reaction (NTP, 1992) | CAMEO | |
| Dissolves slowly with decomposition in water | decomposes | HSDB | |
| Dissolves slowly with decomposition in alcohol; miscible with ether | decomposes | HSDB | |
| Vapor pressure | 30 mmHg | at 20 °C | HSDB |
| 41.7 mmHg | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| 18.8 mmHg | at -2.22 °C | CAMEO | |
| Flash point | 18 °C (64.4 °F) | HSDB | |
| 21.67 °C (71 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| Vapor density | 3.67 (air = 1) | vapor specific gravity | HSDB |
| Corrosivity | Corrosive to metals | HSDB |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling Butyryl 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. Storage class (TRGS 510): Flammable liquids.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
Incompatible materials: Alcohols, oxidizing agents, strong bases.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
BUTYRYL CHLORIDE slowly dissolves in water with decomposition and formation of a weakly acidic solution. 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].
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Butyryl chloride in the storage compatibility matrix →