Substance profile
Ethyl chloroacetate
Ethyl chloroacetate is a water-white mobile liq with a fruity pungent odor.
01 · Identification
What Ethyl chloroacetate is
Ethyl chloroacetate is a water-white mobile liq with a fruity pungent odor. Its molecular formula is C4H7ClO2 and its molecular weight is 122.55 g/mol. It boils at 143 °C, melts at -26 °C.
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 |
|---|---|
| H331 | Toxic if inhaled. |
| H311 | Toxic in contact with skin. |
| H301 | Toxic if swallowed. |
| H400 | Very toxic to aquatic life. |
Precautionary statements: P260, P270, P271, P273, P280, P301, P302, P304, P310, P330, P352, P391, P501
03 · Physical and chemical properties
Ethyl chloroacetate 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 | 142.78 °C (289 °F) | at 760 mmHg | CAMEO |
| 144.2 °C (291.6 °F) | ICSC | ||
| 144 °C (291.2 °F) | at 760 mmHg | DOE PAC | |
| Melting point | -26 °C (-14.8 °F) | HSDB | |
| -26.11 °C (-15 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| Density | 1.15 g/cm³ | ICSC | |
| 1.1498 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | HSDB | |
| 1.15 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | CAMEO | |
| Solubility | Insol in water; miscible with alc, ether | HSDB | |
| Sol in benzene | HSDB | ||
| Insoluble in water, miscible in ethanol, acetone and ethyl ether | HSDB | ||
| Vapor pressure | 3.3753 mmHg | at 20 °C | ICSC |
| 4.87 mmHg | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| 10 mmHg | at 37.5 °C | HSDB | |
| Flash point | 63.89 °C (147 °F) | HSDB | |
| 37.78 °C (100 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| 53 °C (127.4 °F) | ICSC | ||
| Autoignition temperature | 452 °C (845.6 °F) | ICSC | |
| Vapor density | 4.2 (air = 1) | ICSC | |
| 4.345 (air = 1) | range, midpoint shown | HSDB | |
| Critical temperature and pressure | 344.85 °C (652.7 °F) | HSDB |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling Ethyl chloroacetate
Incompatible materials
... CAN REACT VIGOROUSLY WITH OXIDIZING MATERIALS. WILL REACT WITH WATER OR STEAM TO PRODUCE TOXIC & CORROSIVE FUMES. VIGOROUS REACTION WITH SODIUM CYANIDE.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
ETHYL CHLOROACETATE is a chlorinated ester. Esters react with acids to liberate heat along with alcohols and acids. Strong oxidizing acids may cause a vigorous reaction that is sufficiently exothermic to ignite the reaction products. Heat is also generated by the interaction of esters with caustic solutions. Flammable hydrogen is generated by mixing esters with alkali metals and hydrides.
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Ethyl chloroacetate in the storage compatibility matrix →