1,3-Dichloropropane

Chemical Properties

1,3-Dichloropropene occurs as a clear colourless liquid with a sweet chloroform-like odor. It is soluble in alcohol and ether, dissolves in water (0.27g/100ml). The half-life of 1,3-dichloropropene in ambient air may range from 7 to 50 hours.

Uses

1,3-Dichloropropane is used as an intermediate in organic synthesis. It is also used as solvent, detergent and chromatographic analysis. Further, it is used to prepare 3,7-dithia-nonanedioic acid by reacting with mercaptoacetic acid.

Definition

ChEBI: 1,3-dichloropropane is a chloroalkane that is propane in which a hydrogen from each of the terminal methyl groups has been replaced by a chlorine. It has a role as an environmental contaminant and a nematicide. It is a chloroalkane and a chlorohydrocarbon.

Preparation

1,3-Dichloropropane is obtained by the action of propylene glycol with hydrochloric acid.
1,3-Dichloropropane synthesis: A process for the preparation of 1,3-dichloropropane by reacting bis(3-hydroxypropyl)ether with hydrogen chloride, optionally in the presence of tertiary basic nitrogen compounds or other tertiary aliphatic bases as catalysts, distilling off the 1,3-dichloropropane and the water of reaction and working up the two phases.
Process for the preparation of 1,3-dichloropropane

Synthesis Reference(s)

The Journal of Organic Chemistry, 29, p. 194, 1964 DOI: 10.1021/jo01024a045

General Description

1,3-dichloropropane is a colorless watery liquid with a sweet odor. Sinks in water. Produces irritating vapor. (USCG, 1999)

Air & Water Reactions

Highly flammable.

Reactivity Profile

Halogenated aliphatic compounds, such as 1,3-Dichloropropane, are moderately or very reactive. Reactivity generally decreases with increased degree of substitution of halogen for hydrogen atoms. Low molecular weight haloalkanes are highly flammable and can react with some metals to form dangerous products. Materials in this group are incompatible with strong oxidizing and reducing agents. Also, they are incompatible with many amines, nitrides, azo/diazo compounds, alkali metals, and epoxides.

Health Hazard

INHALATION: May cause some central nervous system depression. EYES: May cause some pain and irritation. SKIN: Mild irritation.

Safety Profile

Moderately toxic by ingestion. Mutation data reported. A very dangerous fire hazard when exposed to heat or flame. When heated to decomposition it emits highly toxic fumes of Cl and phosgene. See also CHLORINATED HYDROCARBONS, ALIPHATIC; and PROPYLENE DICHLORIDE.