Decanoyl Chloride, known by its CAS number 112-13-0, is a fundamental acid chloride that plays a critical role in organic synthesis. Its chemical structure, C10H19ClO, dictates its reactivity, making it a valuable reagent for introducing the decanoyl group into various molecules. Understanding its synthesis and inherent reactivity is key to harnessing its full potential in chemical manufacturing and research.

The synthesis of Decanoyl Chloride primarily originates from decanoic acid. Several reliable methods are employed for its production, with the choice often dictated by scale, cost, and purity requirements. A common and efficient industrial route involves the reaction of decanoic acid with thionyl chloride (SOCl2). This reaction proceeds with the elimination of sulfur dioxide (SO2) and hydrogen chloride (HCl) gases, which are easily removed, facilitating product isolation. Another laboratory-scale method utilizes oxalyl chloride ((COCl)2) in the presence of a catalytic amount of dimethylformamide (DMF), which generates a highly reactive intermediate for the conversion. Both methods aim to replace the hydroxyl group of the carboxylic acid with a chlorine atom, yielding the highly reactive acyl chloride.

The reactivity of Decanoyl Chloride is dominated by its electrophilic carbonyl carbon, making it susceptible to nucleophilic attack. This property underpins its utility in several key organic reactions:

  • Esterification: Reaction with alcohols in the presence of a base (to scavenge the produced HCl) yields esters. This is a fundamental reaction for creating compounds used in fragrances, lubricants, and pharmaceuticals.
  • Amidation: Reaction with amines forms amides. This is crucial for synthesizing peptides, polymers like polyamides, and many active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs).
  • Friedel-Crafts Acylation: In the presence of a Lewis acid catalyst like aluminum chloride (AlCl3), Decanoyl Chloride can acylate aromatic rings, a vital step in the synthesis of many organic compounds.
  • Hydrolysis: It reacts readily with water to form decanoic acid and hydrochloric acid. This reactivity necessitates anhydrous conditions during synthesis and storage.

The purity of Decanoyl Chloride is critical for these reactions to proceed efficiently and selectively. Manufacturers like NINGBO INNO PHARMCHEM CO.,LTD. emphasize rigorous quality control to ensure that their Decanoyl Chloride meets the stringent requirements for these transformations. By providing high-quality chemical intermediates, they enable researchers and manufacturers to achieve optimal results in their synthesis endeavors.