Chemical Properties
1-Chloropropane is a clear colorless, flammable liquid. It has the chemical formula C3H7Cl and is prepared by reacting n-propyl alcohol with phosphorus trichloride in the presence of a zinc chloride catalyst.
Uses
Used in organic synthesis, pesticides, pharmaceutical intermediates.
General Description
A clear colorless liquid. Boiling point 46.6°C. Flash point below 0°F. Less dense than water and slightly soluble in water. Vapors are heavier than air. Irritant and narcotic.
Air & Water Reactions
Highly flammable. Slightly soluble in water.
Reactivity Profile
1-Chloropropane presents a dangerous fire risk. May be incompatible with strong oxidizing and reducing agents. Incompatible with many amines, nitrides, azo/diazo compounds, alkali metals, and epoxides.
Hazard
Highly flammable, dangerous fire risk, explosive limits in air 2.5–11%. Irritant and narcotic.
Health Hazard
Exposure can cause irritation of eyes, nose and throat. May cause nausea, headache, and vomiting. High concentrations may have a narcotic effect.
Safety Profile
A moderately
poisonous irritant to skin, eyes, and mucous
membranes. Narcotic in high
concentrations. Flammable liquid and
dangerous fire hazard when exposed to heat,
flame, or oxiduers. Moderately explosive
when exposed to flame. Keep away from
heat and open flame; can react vigorously
with oxilzing materials. To fight fire, use
CO2, dry chemical. When heated to
decomposition it emits toxic fumes of Cl-.
Purification Methods
Dry the chloride with MgSO4 and fractionally distil. It can be more extensively purified using extraction with H2SO4 as for n-propyl bromide. Alternatively, Chien and Willard [J Am Chem Soc 75 6160 1953] passed a stream of oxygen containing about 5% ozone through the n-propyl chloride for three times as long as was needed to cause the first coloration of starch iodide paper by the exit gas. After washing with aqueous NaHCO3 to hydrolyse ozonides and remove organic acids, the chloride was dried with MgSO4 and fractionally distilled. [Beilstein 1 IV 189.]
