Yellow Oil. 2-Chloromethoxyethylchloride is soluble in most commonly used organic solvents, including ethereal (THF, diethyl ether), halogenated (CH2Cl2, CHCl3, CCl4), and hydrocarbon solvents; incompatible with alcohol solvents.
(2-Chloroethoxy)methyl Chloride (cas# 1462-33-5) is a compound useful in organic synthesis.
The most conveniently prepared of 2-Chloromethoxyethylchloride is by reaction of 2-chloroethanol and 1,3,5-trioxane with HCl(g) at 0 °C (1.0 mol scale, 66% yield).
2-Chloromethoxyethylchloride is a deviate of Chloromethyl ethers, which are recognized carcinogens. The reagent should be prepared and handled in an efficient fume hood, and skin contact should be avoided. Chloromethyl ethers are also moisture-sensitive and should be stored and transferred under an inert atmosphere. Excess reagent should be hydrolyzed in water before removing it from the fume hood.
1. Ogle, C. A.; Wilson, T. E.; Stowe, J. A. S 1990, 495.
2. Hutchison, A. J.; Kishi, Y. JACS 1979, 101, 6786.
3. Farren, J. W.; Fife, H. F.; Clark, F. E.; Garland, C. E. JACS 1925, 47, 2419.
4. For similar procedures, see ref 5 and Holy, A.; Rosenberg, I.; Dvorakova, H. CCC 1989, 54, 2190 (4.6 mol scale, 74% yield)
