Bis(chloromethyl) ether

Bis(chloromethyl) ether
Bis(chloromethyl) ether
Identifiers
CAS number 542-88-1
PubChem 10967
ChemSpider 21106500
EC number 208-832-8
KEGG C19158 YesY
Jmol-3D images Image 1
Properties
Molecular formula C2H4Cl2O
Molar mass 114.96 g mol−1
Melting point

-41.5 °C, 232 K, -43 °F

Boiling point

106 °C, 379 K, 223 °F

Hazards
Main hazards Hazard TT.svg
Flash point 38 °C
Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa)
Infobox references

Bis(chloromethyl) ether is an organic compound with the chemical formula (CH2Cl)2O. It is one of the chloroalkyl ethers. This colorless liquid is used for chloromethylation of aromatic substrates. It is produced industrially from paraformaldehyde and a mixture of chlorosulfonic acid and sulfuric acid.[1]

Safety

Bis(chloromethyl) ether is carcinogenic.[2] Chronic exposure can increase the incidence of oat cell carcinoma, a type of lung cancer.[2]

References

  1. ^ Wilhelm Heitmann, Günther Strehlke, Dieter Mayer “Ethers, Aliphatic” Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry 2002, Wiley-VCH, Weinheim. doi: 10.1002/14356007.a10_023
  2. ^ a b Integrated Risk Information System, United States Environmental Protection Agency