Benzoyl Chloride, a compound often encountered in advanced chemical synthesis, holds significant importance due to its distinct chemical properties and versatile reactivity. Its structure, featuring a benzene ring attached to an acyl chloride group (C₆H₅COCl), makes it a powerful acylating agent. Understanding these chemical attributes is fundamental for researchers and industrial chemists looking to leverage this compound in their processes. NINGBO INNO PHARMCHEM CO.,LTD. provides high-quality Benzoyl Chloride for a myriad of industrial needs.

Chemical Properties of Benzoyl Chloride

Benzoyl Chloride (CAS 98-88-4) is typically a colorless liquid with a sharp, pungent, and irritating odor. It is known to fume in moist air due to its reaction with atmospheric moisture, releasing hydrochloric acid. Its key properties include:

  • Molecular Formula: C₇H₅ClO
  • Molar Mass: Approximately 140.57 g/mol
  • Appearance: Colorless liquid
  • Odor: Pungent, irritating
  • Boiling Point: Around 197.2 °C
  • Density: Approximately 1.21 g/mL
  • Solubility: Reacts violently with water; soluble in many organic solvents like ether and benzene.

Its sensitivity to moisture and iron necessitates careful handling and storage in dry, well-ventilated conditions, often in inert containers.

Key Chemical Reactions

The reactivity of Benzoyl Chloride is primarily centered around its acyl chloride functional group. Some of its most important reactions include:

  • Hydrolysis: Benzoyl Chloride reacts vigorously with water to produce benzoic acid and hydrochloric acid. This reaction highlights its sensitivity to moisture and the corrosive nature of its byproducts.
    C₆H₅COCl + H₂O → C₆H₅COOH + HCl
  • Alcoholysis: It reacts with alcohols to form esters. This is a fundamental reaction for producing various ester compounds used in fragrances, solvents, and plasticizers.
    C₆H₅COCl + ROH → C₆H₅COOR + HCl
  • Aminolysis: Reaction with amines yields amides, which are crucial building blocks for pharmaceuticals and polymers.
    C₆H₅COCl + RNH₂ → C₆H₅CONHR + HCl
  • Friedel-Crafts Acylation: Benzoyl Chloride can react with aromatic compounds in the presence of a Lewis acid catalyst (like AlCl₃) to form benzophenones, which are important in UV absorbers and photoinitiators.
  • Formation of Benzoyl Peroxide: A particularly significant industrial reaction involves the treatment of Benzoyl Chloride with hydrogen peroxide and sodium hydroxide, yielding benzoyl peroxide. This compound is widely used as a polymerization initiator and in dermatological treatments.
    2 C₆H₅COCl + H₂O₂ + 2 NaOH → (C₆H₅CO)₂O₂ + 2 NaCl + 2 H₂O

Industrial Applications of Benzoyl Chloride

The versatility demonstrated in its reactions translates directly into its widespread use across various industries:

  • Pharmaceutical Industry: Essential for synthesizing numerous drug intermediates and APIs, contributing to medications for a broad spectrum of health conditions.
  • Agrochemicals: A key intermediate for manufacturing herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides, crucial for crop protection and agricultural productivity.
  • Dyes and Pigments: Used in the production of vibrant dyes and pigments for textiles, paints, and plastics.
  • Polymer Industry: As a precursor for benzoyl peroxide, it's vital for polymerization initiation in the production of plastics, resins, and coatings.
  • Fragrances and Perfumes: Contributes to the creation of aromatic compounds used in the fragrance industry.

NINGBO INNO PHARMCHEM CO.,LTD. is dedicated to providing high-purity Benzoyl Chloride that meets the exacting standards of these industries. We ensure a reliable supply for manufacturers and researchers, supporting their innovation and production needs.