ETHYL CHLOROFORMATE Meaning and
Definition
-
Ethyl chloroformate is an organic compound with the chemical formula C3H5ClO2. It is a colorless liquid that is primarily used in various industrial processes, including the synthesis of pharmaceutical compounds and dyes. Ethyl chloroformate is formed through the reaction of ethanol with chloroformic acid. It is highly reactive due to the presence of the chloroformyl group (–COCl), which makes it a potent acylating agent.
Ethyl chloroformate plays a significant role in organic chemistry as an intermediate compound for the synthesis of various pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and chemical reagents. It is commonly used to introduce an ethyl ester group during organic reactions by reacting with alcohols, amines, and thiols. The resulting products find applications in the fields of medicinal chemistry, fragrance synthesis, and polymer chemistry.
As a chemical reagent, ethyl chloroformate has to be handled with caution due to its toxic and corrosive nature. It releases noxious fumes upon contact with water or moist air, causing irritation to the eyes, skin, and respiratory system. Proper personal protective equipment, such as gloves and goggles, should be used when working with this compound to ensure safe handling.
In summary, ethyl chloroformate is a reactive and versatile organic compound used for the synthesis of various chemical products. Its applications range from pharmaceutical intermediates to specialty chemicals in diverse industries.
Etymology of ETHYL CHLOROFORMATE
The word "ethyl chloroformate" is derived from the combination of three terms: "ethyl", "chloro-", and "formate".
1. "Ethyl" refers to ethyl group, which is a chemical functional group containing two carbon atoms bonded to three hydrogen atoms.
2. "Chloro-" comes from the element "chlorine" (Cl). It signifies the presence of a chlorine atom in the molecule.
3. "Formate" refers to the chemical compound "formic acid", which is a carboxylic acid with the formula HCOOH. The "-ate" suffix indicates that the formic acid has undergone a reaction, generating a salt or an ester.
In summary, "ethyl chloroformate" is named after its composition, emphasizing the presence of an ethyl group, a chlorine atom, and an ester derived from formic acid.
