Substance profile
Chloroacetaldehyde
Chloroacetaldehyde is a colorless liquid with an acrid, penetrating odor.
01 · Identification
What Chloroacetaldehyde is
Chloroacetaldehyde is a colorless liquid with an acrid, penetrating odor. Its molecular formula is C2H3ClO and its molecular weight is 78.5 g/mol. It boils at 85.5 °C, melts at -16.3 °C, is miscible with water.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger. It is classed as flammable agents - 2nd 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 |
|---|---|
| H351 | Suspected of causing cancer <state route of exposure if it is conclusively proven that no other routes of exposure cause the hazard>. |
| H330 | Fatal if inhaled. |
| H311 | Toxic in contact with skin. |
| H301 | Toxic if swallowed. |
| H314 | Causes severe skin burns and eye damage. |
| H400 | Very toxic to aquatic life. |
Precautionary statements: P201, P260, P270, P271, P273, P280, P301, P302, P304, P308, P310, P313, P330, P331, P352, P391, P501
03 · Physical and chemical properties
Chloroacetaldehyde 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 | 85.5 °C (185.9 °F) | HSDB | |
| 85.56 °C (186 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| 85 °C (185 °F) | at 760 mmHg | CAMEO | |
| Melting point | -16.3 °C (2.7 °F) | HSDB | |
| -19.44 °C (-3 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| -16.11 °C (3 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| Density | 1.19 g/cm³ | NIOSH | |
| 1.19 g/cm³ | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Solubility | Miscible in all proportions with water | HSDB | |
| Soluble in ether | HSDB | ||
| Soluble in acetone and methanol | HSDB | ||
| Vapor pressure | 100 mmHg | NIOSH | |
| 99.7582 mmHg | at 20 °C | ICSC | |
| Flash point | 87.78 °C (190 °F) | HSDB | |
| Autoignition temperature | 88 °C (190.4 °F) | HSDB | |
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | Above 88 °C explosive vapor/air mixtures may be formed. | HSDB | |
| Contact with oxidizing materials & acids may cause ... explosions. | HSDB | ||
| Class IIIA Combustible Liquid: Fl.P. at or above 140 °F and below 200 °F. | NIOSH | ||
| Vapor density | 2.7 (air = 1) | CAMEO | |
| Odor threshold | Odor threshold: 3.0 mg/cu m | HSDB |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling Chloroacetaldehyde
Storage conditions
Safe Storage: Separated from strong oxidants, acids, metals and food and feedstuffs. /Chloroacetaldehyde (40% Solution)/
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
Oxidizers, acids.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
2-CHLOROETHANAL polymerizes on standing. At greater than 50% concentration in water, it forms an insoluble hemihydrate. Sensitive to heat. Reacts with oxidizing agents. Incompatible with acids and water (NTP, 1992). Burns to give poisonous and irritating gases.
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Chloroacetaldehyde in the storage compatibility matrix →