Oxalyl Chloride: An Overview of Its Properties and Uses

Oxalyl chloride is a highly reactive organic compound that is widely used in various chemical reactions. It is a colorless and highly toxic liquid that is known for its strong odor and ability to cause severe burns. Despite its dangerous nature, oxalyl chloride has a range of applications in the chemical industry, including the production of pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and dyes. In this article, we will discuss the properties, uses, and safety considerations of oxalyl chloride in detail.

What is Oxalyl Chloride?

Oxalyl chloride, also known as ethanedioyl dichloride, is a chemical compound with the formula (COCl)2. It is a colorless, oily liquid with a pungent odor that is similar to that of acetyl chloride. Oxalyl chloride is highly reactive and is easily hydrolyzed in the presence of water to form oxalic acid and hydrogen chloride.

Properties of Oxalyl Chloride

Oxalyl chloride has several physical and chemical properties that make it a valuable compound in the chemical industry. Some of these properties include:

Physical Properties

• Boiling point: 63.5°C (146.3°F)
• Melting point: -18.4°C (-1.1°F)
• Density: 1.48 g/cm3
• Molecular weight: 126.91 g/mol
• Odor: pungent, irritating, and suffocating

Chemical Properties

• Highly reactive with water
• Reacts violently with alcohols, amines, and other nucleophiles
• Reacts with carboxylic acids to form acid chlorides
• Can be used as a dehydrating agent in chemical reactions

Uses of Oxalyl Chloride

Oxalyl chloride is used in various chemical reactions as a reactant, reagent, or catalyst. Some of the most common uses of oxalyl chloride include:

Production of Pharmaceuticals

Oxalyl chloride is used in the production of several pharmaceuticals, including acetyl salicylic acid (aspirin), penicillin, and cephalosporin antibiotics. It is also used as a reagent in the synthesis of several other pharmaceuticals.

Production of Agrochemicals

Oxalyl chloride is used in the production of various agrochemicals, including insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides. It is used as a reactant in the synthesis of these compounds.

Production of Dyes

Oxalyl chloride is used in the production of various dyes and pigments. It is used as a reactant in the synthesis of these compounds.

Dehydrating Agent

Oxalyl chloride can be used as a dehydrating agent in chemical reactions. It is commonly used to convert carboxylic acids to acid chlorides, which are important intermediates in many chemical reactions.

Safety Considerations

Oxalyl chloride is a highly toxic and dangerous compound that should be handled with extreme care. It can cause severe burns and is highly reactive with water, alcohols, and other nucleophiles. Some of the safety considerations for handling oxalyl chloride include:

• Wear appropriate protective gear, including gloves, goggles, and a respirator
• Handle oxalyl chloride in a well-ventilated area
• Do not inhale the fumes or allow the liquid to come into contact with your skin or eyes
• Store oxalyl chloride in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area away from sources of heat and ignition