Substance profile
Propyl chloroformate
Propyl chloroformate is a colorless liquid.
01 · Identification
What Propyl chloroformate is
Propyl chloroformate is a colorless liquid. Its molecular formula is C4H7ClO2 and its molecular weight is 122.55 g/mol. It boils at 112 °C, is miscible with water.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger. It is classed as flammable agents - 3rd degree.
Other names for Propyl chloroformate
- chloroformic acid propylester
- n-propyl chloroformate
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. |
| H331 | Toxic if inhaled. |
| H314 | Causes severe skin burns and eye damage. |
Precautionary statements: P210, P233, P241, P242, P260, P271, P280, P301, P304, P310, P331, P403
03 · Physical and chemical properties
Propyl chloroformate 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 | 112.4 °C (234.3 °F) | HSDB | |
| 115 °C (239 °F) | ICSC | ||
| 115 °C (239 °F) | range, midpoint shown, at 760 mmHg | CAMEO | |
| Density | 1.09 g/cm³ | ICSC | |
| 1.091 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | HSDB | |
| 1.09 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | CAMEO | |
| Solubility | MISCIBLE WITH BENZENE, CHLOROFORM, ETHER | HSDB | |
| Insoluble in water | HSDB | ||
| Solubility in water: reaction | ICSC | ||
| Vapor pressure | 19.5016 mmHg | at 20 °C | ICSC |
| 20 mmHg | at 25.3 °C | HSDB | |
| 20 mmHg | Haz-Map | ||
| Flash point | -50 °C (-58 °F) | HSDB | |
| 26 °C (78.8 °F) | ICSC | ||
| Autoignition temperature | 475 °C (887 °F) | ICSC | |
| Vapor density | 4.2 (air = 1) | HSDB | |
| 4.23 (air = 1) | ICSC |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling Propyl chloroformate
Storage conditions
OWING TO THE FACT THAT THESE COMPOUNDS DECOMP EASILY, STORAGE CONTAINERS SHOULD BE VENTED. /CHLOROFORMATES/
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
Unstable, decomposes spontaneously to form hydrochloric acid and other products. Avoid moist air. [EPA, 1998]. 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 Propyl chloroformate in the storage compatibility matrix →