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Acetyl Chloride
CAS: 75-36-5
SKU: S3056
Acetyl Chloride | SKU: S3056
Synonyms: Ethanoyl chloride, acetic chloride, acetic acid chloride
Acetyl Chloride
Acetyl chloride (CAS 75-36-5) is a reactive acyl chloride that Sarchem Labs supplies as a clear, colorless-to-yellow liquid used across organic synthesis as an efficient acetylation reagent. It reacts readily with alcohols, amines, and other nucleophiles to install an acetyl group, which is why chemists reach for it in esterification and Friedel-Crafts acylation reactions where a fast, high-yielding acetylation step is needed. Sarchem Labs backs every lot with a Certificate of Analysis and Safety Data Sheet, and because the material is both flammable and corrosive, it is packaged and shipped under controlled conditions in line with its regulatory classification (UN 1717). It is used throughout pharmaceutical, agrochemical, and specialty chemical synthesis wherever a reliable acetylating agent is required.
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Specifications

Boiling Point52 °C (lit.)
Melting Point-112 °C (lit.)
Vapor Pressure11.69 psi (20 °C), 32.33 psi (55 °C)
Density1.104 g/mL at 25 °C (lit.)
Flash Point5 °C, closed cup
ColorYellow
Linear FormulaCH3COCl
Formula Weight78.50 g/mol
Physical FormClear liquid
Chemical Name or MaterialAcetyl Chloride
UN Number1717
Molecular Weight78.50 g/mol
SMILES String`CC(Cl)=O`
Beilstein605303
Refractive Indexn20/D 1.389
Explosion Limit19%
CAS Number75-36-5
EC Number200-865-6
Key Functional GroupsAcyl chloride
NACRESNA.21
PubChem Substance ID329747174
UNSPSC Code12352100
MDL NumberMFCD00000719
Quality Segment200
InChI`1S/C2H3ClO/c1-2(3)4/h1H3`
InChI KeyWETWJCDKMRHUPV-UHFFFAOYSA-N
eCl@ss39050501
Autoignition Temperature1353 °F
Vapor Density2.7 (vs. air)
ApplicationsAcetylation reagent in esterification reactions with alcohols to form acetate esters

Applications

Acetylation reagent in esterification reactions with alcohols to form acetate esters
Reagent in Friedel-Crafts acylation reactions to install acetyl groups on aromatic rings
Degradation agent for determining the degree of ethoxylation of polyoxyethylene glycol monoalkyl ethers via GC-MS
Reagent for N-Boc deprotection reactions
Reagent for phosphoramide solvolysis reactions

Product Description

What is Acetyl Chloride?

Acetyl chloride is the acid chloride of acetic acid, a small, highly reactive molecule in which the hydroxyl group of acetic acid is replaced by a chlorine atom. That substitution makes the carbonyl carbon strongly electrophilic, so the compound reacts rapidly with water, alcohols, and amines — a reactivity profile that makes it useful as an acetylating agent but also means it must be handled under strictly anhydrous conditions. Supplied by Sarchem Labs as a clear liquid with a boiling point of 52 °C and a melting point of −112 °C, it is volatile and flammable, requiring cold, moisture-free, and ignition-source-free storage.

Uses of Acetyl Chloride

The primary use of acetyl chloride is as an acetylating reagent in organic synthesis: it reacts with alcohols to form acetate esters and participates in Friedel-Crafts acylation reactions to attach acetyl groups directly onto aromatic rings, both fundamental transformations in pharmaceutical and fine-chemical manufacturing. It also serves more specialized analytical and synthetic roles — as a degradation reagent for determining the degree of ethoxylation in polyoxyethylene glycol monoalkyl ethers via chromatography-mass spectrometry, and as a reagent supporting N-Boc deprotection and phosphoramide solvolysis reactions.

Safety Information

Acetyl chloride is both flammable and corrosive and must be handled with full respect for both hazards — this is presented in full below, not softened.

Signal Word: Danger

GHS Pictograms: GHS02 (Flame), GHS05 (Corrosion)

Hazard Classifications: Flammable Liquid Category 2, Skin Corrosion Category 1B, Eye Damage Category 1

Hazard Statements:

  •       H225 — Highly flammable liquid and vapor
  •       H314 — Causes severe skin burns and eye damage
  •       EUH014 — Reacts violently with water

Precautionary Statements: P210, P233, P240, P280, P303+P361+P353, P305+P351+P338

Storage Class: 3 — Flammable liquids

Water Hazard Class (WGK): 1

Flash Point: 5 °C, closed cup

Recommended PPE: Face shields, chemical-resistant gloves, and goggles. Handle only in a well-ventilated fume hood, away from all ignition sources and water/moisture, given its violent reaction with water (EUH014).

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FAQs: Acetyl Chloride

Acetyl chloride is used as an acetylating reagent in organic synthesis, most commonly for esterification of alcohols and Friedel-Crafts acylation reactions, as well as in specialized analytical methods and deprotection chemistry.

Yes — acetyl chloride is classified as both highly flammable (H225) and severely corrosive to skin and eyes (H314), and it reacts violently with water (EUH014), so it requires full PPE, anhydrous handling conditions, and a well-ventilated fume hood.

Its electrophilic carbonyl carbon reacts rapidly with water in a hydrolysis reaction that releases hydrochloric acid and heat, which is why it must be stored and handled under strictly moisture-free conditions.

Acetyl chloride is generally more reactive and faster-acting than acetic anhydride, making it useful when a rapid acetylation is needed, though this higher reactivity also means it is more moisture-sensitive and corrosive to handle.

Every order ships with a Certificate of Analysis and Safety Data Sheet, and the product is classified and shipped under UN 1717 in accordance with hazardous-materials transport regulations.