Substance profile
Chloroacetyl chloride
Chloroacetyl chloride is a liquid with a sharp, pungent, irritating odor.
01 · Identification
What Chloroacetyl chloride is
Chloroacetyl chloride is a liquid with a sharp, pungent, irritating odor. Its molecular formula is C2H2Cl2O and its molecular weight is 112.94 g/mol. It boils at 106 °C, melts at -21.7 °C.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger. It is classed as corrosives.
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 |
|---|---|
| H331 | Toxic if inhaled. |
| H311 | Toxic in contact with skin. |
| H301 | Toxic if swallowed. |
| H372 | Causes damage to organs <or state all organs affected, if known> through prolonged or repeated exposure <state route of exposure if it is conclusively proven that no other routes of exposure cause the hazard>. |
| H314 | Causes severe skin burns and eye damage. |
| H400 | Very toxic to aquatic life. |
Supplemental EU statements: EUH014, EUH029
Precautionary statements: P260, P270, P271, P273, P280, P301, P302, P304, P310, P314, P330, P331, P352, P391, P501
03 · Physical and chemical properties
Chloroacetyl 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 | 106 °C (222.8 °F) | HSDB | |
| 106.11 °C (223 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| 105 °C (221 °F) | at 760 mmHg | CAMEO | |
| Melting point | -21.7 °C (-7.1 °F) | HSDB | |
| -21.67 °C (-7 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| -22.5 °C (-8.5 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| Density | 1.42 g/cm³ | NIOSH | |
| 1.4202 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | HSDB | |
| Solubility | Decomposed by water | decomposes | HSDB |
| Decomposes | decomposes | NIOSH | |
| Decomposes (NIOSH, 2024) | decomposes | CAMEO | |
| Vapor pressure | 19 mmHg | NIOSH | |
| 25.2 mmHg | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Flash point | 100 °C (212 °F) | HSDB | |
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | Noncombustible Liquid | NIOSH | |
| Vapor density | 3.9 (air = 1) | ICSC | |
| Odor threshold | An industrial hygienist was not able to detect odor at 0.011 ppm, found 0.023 ppm barely detectable, and 0.140 ppm "strong". | HSDB | |
| Critical temperature and pressure | 307.85 °C (586.1 °F) | HSDB | |
| Corrosivity | ... metals (corrosive) | HSDB |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling Chloroacetyl chloride
Storage conditions
Store under nitrogen. 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. Keep away from water. Never allow product to get in contact with water during storage. Hydrolyzes readily.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
Incompatible materials: Strong oxidizing agents, strong bases, alcohols, water.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
CHLOROACETYL CHLORIDE reacts rapidly with water. 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].
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Chloroacetyl chloride in the storage compatibility matrix →