For research and development scientists and product formulators, understanding the precise specifications of chemical intermediates like 3-Chloropropionyl Chloride (CAS: 625-36-5) is the bedrock of successful innovation. This article unpacks the essential technical details of 3-CPCl, guiding you on what to look for when evaluating suppliers and ensuring the quality required for your synthesis and formulation projects. As a critical component in pharmaceutical and agrochemical research, precise specification adherence is non-negotiable.

Understanding the Chemical Profile: 3-Chloropropionyl Chloride

3-Chloropropionyl Chloride (3-CPCl), CAS number 625-36-5, is a reactive acyl chloride with the molecular formula C3H4Cl2O. Its structure features a propionyl group substituted with a chlorine atom at the beta-position and an acyl chloride functional group. This dual reactivity makes it a powerful tool in organic chemistry. Its physical state at room temperature is typically a clear to light brown liquid. The molecular weight is approximately 126.97 g/mol. Its role as a chlorinating agent and an acylating agent means it readily participates in various chemical transformations, making it a sought-after intermediate.

Critical Specifications for Synthesis and Formulation

When sourcing 3-Chloropropionyl Chloride, several key specifications directly impact its performance in your laboratory or production environment:

• Purity (Assay): This is perhaps the most critical specification. Typically, you will look for a purity of 97% or higher, often expressed as a GC (Gas Chromatography) assay. Higher purity minimizes side reactions and ensures predictable yields in your synthesis. Reputable suppliers provide detailed CoAs confirming this purity.
• Appearance: While generally described as clear to light brown, significant deviations can indicate impurities or degradation. A consistent appearance is a good initial indicator of product quality.
• Boiling Point: With a reported boiling point of 143-145 °C at atmospheric pressure, this parameter is important for distillation and purification processes. Deviations might suggest compositional variations.
• Density: A density of approximately 1.33 g/mL at 25 °C is standard. This value is useful for volumetric calculations and ensuring proper handling.
• Flash Point: The flash point (around 63 °C or 146 °F) indicates its flammability. Understanding this is crucial for safe storage and handling procedures in a laboratory or plant setting.
• Solubility: Its solubility in solvents like chloroform and ethyl acetate is important for reaction setup. However, its reactivity with water, alcohols, and amines must be carefully managed.
• Stability: 3-CPCl can react vigorously or explosively with water. Proper storage in dry conditions, often in a flammables area, is essential to maintain its integrity and prevent hazardous reactions.

Impact on Applications

For pharmaceutical intermediates, high purity is essential to avoid introducing unwanted by-products into drug synthesis pathways, ensuring the safety and efficacy of the final API. In agrochemical synthesis, consistent purity leads to reliable performance in crop protection products. For general organic synthesis, understanding the reactivity profile, boiling point, and solubility allows for optimized reaction conditions, solvent selection, and purification strategies. When you buy from a trusted manufacturer, these specifications are rigorously controlled.

Choosing a Supplier for Your R&D Needs

When engaging with suppliers, always request their latest CoA and SDS. Compare specifications across different manufacturers to identify the best fit for your project's sensitivity and budget. For critical R&D projects, obtaining samples for independent verification is highly advisable. Partnering with a supplier that consistently provides materials meeting these exacting specifications ensures the reproducibility and success of your scientific endeavors. If you are a research scientist or formulator looking to purchase 3-Chloropropionyl Chloride, focus on these technical details to guarantee the quality and performance you need.