1,4-dichloro-Butanone is a reagent used as a reactive electrophile precursor for 1,4-disubstituted 2-butanones and 2-butenones.
1,4-Dichloro-2-butanone can be prepared by the Friedel-Crafts acylation of ethylene with Chloroacetyl
Chloride catalyzed by Aluminum Chloride or the treatment of 2-chloropropionyl chloride with
Diazomethane followed by concentrated HCl. The Friedel-Crafts process can be used with other alkenes
and acid chlorides to yield α,β′-dichloroalkyl ketones.
1,4-Dichloro-2-butanone is highly irritating to the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes via oral
inhalation and skin contact. A lacrimator type of military poison. Dangerous; when heated to dec, burns and
emits highly toxic fumes of chlorides. Use in a fume hood.
