Toxicity
Propenoyl Chloride is a skin irritant, with pulmonary edema in more severe exposures. Other signs and symptoms of acute exposure may include headache, dizziness, and weakness. Gastrointestinal effects may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach ulceration.
Physical properties
Propenoyl Chloride is a colorless liquid, although aged samples appear yellow. It belongs to the acid chlorides group of compounds.
Preparation
Acryloyl chloride can be efficiently prepared by treating acrylic acid with benzoyl chloride:
CH2=CHCO2H + C6H5COCl → CH2=CHCOCl + C6H5CO2H
Chemical Reactivity
Propenoyl Chloride undergoes the reactions common for acid chlorides. For example, it reacts readily with water, producing acrylic acid. When treated with sodium salts of carboxylic acids, the anhydride is formed. Reactions with alcohols and amines gives esters and amides, respectively. It acylates organozinc compounds.
