Acetyl Chloride [75-36-5-A]
C2H3ClO
In a 250-ml three-neck round-bottom flask equipped with a 100-ml dropping funnel, a thermometer, and a reflux condenser, 90 g (1.5 mol) of anhydrous acetic acid is added dropwise to 72 g (0.5 mol) of phosphorus trichloride. Then, heat with a water bath to 50 °C until the vigorous evolution of hydrogen chloride gas subsides and two layers form. Distill the acetyl chloride from the phosphorous acid, which forms the lower layer, using a boiling water bath. Purify the product by fractional distillation twice, collecting the fraction that distills between 48 and 53 °C. During the second distillation, add 5 drops of acetic acid to remove possible traces of phosphorus trichloride. The yield is 70 to 80 g, or 60-67% of the theoretical yield.
Adapted from: Gattermann, Ludwig - The Practice of Organic Chemistry, 43rd Edition, Walter de Gruyter, Berlin / New York 1982
Delivered by: Mephisto
Last updated: 22/08/2006
Acetyl Chloride [75-36-5-B]
C2H3ClO
A reflux condenser is fitted to a 250-ml distillation flask. A small separatory funnel with a ribbed cork is attached to the reflux condenser. The side arm of the distillation flask is sealed with a partially bored cork. Add 65 g of anhydrous sodium acetate to the flask and 39 ml of phosphorus oxychloride to the separatory funnel. Slowly add the phosphorus oxychloride, shaking occasionally; this should take about 30 minutes. Remove the separatory funnel and replace it with a tube filled with cotton or calcium chloride. Allow the mixture to stand for 10-12 hours. Then distill in a water bath until no more liquid passes over (use a Liebig condenser, duration about 3 hours; the solid residue in the flask dissolves easily in cold water). The acetyl chloride (39 g) is redistilled from a 100-ml distillation flask, with a cotton-filled tube attached to the receiver (suction flask or distillation flask). All acetyl chloride distills at 51-52 °C.
Translated from: Vogel, Arthur I. - A Text-Book of Practical Organic Chemistry, 3rd Edition, Longman, London 1974
Delivered by: Rhadon
Last updated: 27/10/2004
Other name: Acetic acid chloride
