The major use of chloroacetyl chloride is as an intermediate in the production of herbicides in the chloroacetanilide family including metolachlor, acetochlor, alachlor and butachlor; an estimated 100 million pounds are used annually. Some chloroacetyl chloride is also used to produce phenacyl chloride, another chemical intermediate, also used as a tear gas.[2] Phenacyl chloride is synthesized in a Friedel-Crafts acylation of benzene, with an aluminium chloride catalyst.

 

The major use of chloroacetyl chloride is as an intermediate in the production of herbicides in the chloroacetanilide family including metolachlor, acetochlor, alachlor and butachlor; an estimated 100 million pounds are used annually. Some chloroacetyl chloride is also used to produce phenacyl chloride, another chemical intermediate, also used as a tear gas.[2] Phenacyl chloride is synthesized in a Friedel-Crafts acylation of benzene, with an aluminium chloride catalyst:[5]

1. The ethyl chloroacetate used may be a commercial grade which boils at 141–146°. The ethyl chloroacetate and the chloroacetamide have the usual irritating effect of chloroacetyl compounds.

2. The temperature is best maintained at 0–5°. At higher temperatures there is more replacement of the chlorine and the yields are considerably lower.

3. Traces of moisture lower the melting point considerably.1. The ethyl chloroacetate used may be a commercial grade which boils at 141–146°. The ethyl chloroacetate and the chloroacetamide have the usual irritating effect of chloroacetyl compounds.

2. The temperature is best maintained at 0–5°. At higher temperatures there is more replacement of the chlorine and the yields are considerably lower.

3. Traces of moisture lower the melting point considerably.