Chemical Properties
Acetic chloride is a colorless to light yellow liquid with a pungent and choking odor.
Acetic chloride is highly flammable, reacts violently with dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO),
water, lower alcohols, and amines to generate toxic fumes. Together with air, acetic chloride
may form an explosive mixture. It is incompatible with water, alcohols, amines,
strong bases, strong oxidizing agents, and most common metals. On decomposition when
heated, acetic chloride produces carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, hydrogen chloride,
and phosgene.
General Description
A colorless, fuming liquid with a pungent odor. Density 9.2 lb/gal. Flash point 40°F. Vapor, which is heavier than air, irritates the eyes and mucous membranes. Corrosive to metals and tissue .
Reactivity Profile
ACETYL CHLORIDE reacts violently with water, steam, methanol or ethanol to form hydrogen chloride and acetic acid. Reacts vigorously with bases, both organic and inorganic. Incompatible with oxidizing agents and alcohols. Produces highly toxic fumes of phosgene gas and chlorine when heated to decomposition [Sax, 9th ed., 1996, p. 35]. Reaction in a confined space with even a small amount of water may cause a violent eruption of gases [Bretherick, 5th ed., 1995, p. 281]. Vapor forms an explosive mixture with air [Kirk-Othmer, 3rd ed., Vol. 1, 1978, p. 162]. Polymerization reaction with dimethyl sulfoxide is particularly violent [Buckley, A., J. Chem. Ed., 1965, 42, p. 674]. 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].
Health Hazard
Exposure to acetic chloride causes severe health effects. It is corrosive and causes severe
skin burns. On contact with the eyes and skin and accidental ingestion, acetic chloride
causes permanent eye damage and serious burns to the mouth and stomach. The spray
mist or liquid causes tissue damage (mucous membranes of eyes, mouth, and upper
respiratory tract). Inhalation of the spray mist causes severe irritation of the respiratory
tract, with symptoms of a burning sensation, coughing, wheezing, laryngitis, shortness of
breath, headache, nausea, and vomiting. Prolonged periods of inhalation of acetic chloride
may be fatal as a result of spasm, infl ammation, and edema of the larynx and bronchi,
chemical pneumonitis, and pulmonary edema characterized by coughing, choking, or
shortness of breath. However, there is no published information about the carcinogenicity,
mutagenicity, teratogenicity, and developmental toxicity of acetic chloride in animals
and humans.
Health Hazard
Vapor irritates mucous membranes. Ingestion of liquid or contact with eyes or skin causes severe irritation.
Potential Exposure
Acetyl chloride is used in organic synthesis as an acetylating agent and in testing for water and/ or cholesterol in organic liquids, in the pharmaceutical industry and in pesticide manufacture.
First aid
If this chemical gets into the eyes, remove any contact lenses at once, and irrigate immediately for at least 30 minutes, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Seek medical attention immediately. If this chemical contacts the skin, remove contaminated clothing and wash immediately with soap and water. Seek medical attention immediately. If this chemical has been inhaled, remove from exposure, begin rescue breathing (using universal precautions, including resuscitation mask) if breathing has stopped and CPR if heart action has stopped. Transfer promptly to a medical facility. When this chemical has been swallowed, get medical attention. Do not induce vomiting. Medical observation is recommended for 24 to 48 hours after breathing overexposure, as pulmonary edema may be delayed
Shipping
UN1717 Acetyl chloride, Hazard Class: 3; Labels: 3-Flammable liquid, 8-Corrosive material
Incompatibilities
ticide manufacture. Incompatibilities: Avoid contact with moisture, steam, water, alcohols, dimethylsulfoxide, strong bases; phosphorus trichloride; oxidizers, and amines, since violent reactions may occur. Keep away from heat, fire, and welding operations.
Waste Disposal
Consult with environmental regulatory agencies for guidance on acceptable disposal practices. Generators of waste containing this contaminant (≥100 kg/mo) must conform with EPA regulations governing storage, transportation, treatment, and waste disposal. May be mixed slowly with sodium bicarbonate solution and then flushed to sewer with large volumes of water. May also be incinerated.
Definition
A liquid acyl chloride
used as an acetylating agent.
Purification Methods
Reflux acetyl chloride with PCl5 for several hours to remove traces of acetic acid, then distil it. Redistil it from one-tenth its volume of dimethylaniline or quinoline to remove free HCl. A.R. quality is freed from HCl by pumping it for 1hour at -78o and distilling it into a trap at -196o. [Beilstein 2 IV 395.] LACHRYMATORY.
