2-Chloroethyl-Benzene: Deep Dive into Its Properties, Structure, and Role in Industry

What is 2-Chloroethyl-Benzene?

2-Chloroethyl-Benzene stands out in the chemical world for its broad use and distinctive features. This organic compound brings together a benzene ring with a 2-chloroethyl group, making it an important building block for synthesis in pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and specialty chemicals. The structure connects a benzene core — a classic aromatic hydrocarbon — to a two-carbon chain, terminating with a chlorine atom. This straightforward modification shifts the molecule’s behavior in both reactivity and applications, making it interesting for those involved in chemical manufacturing and R&D.

Chemical Structure and Formula

With a molecular formula of C₈H₉Cl, 2-Chloroethyl-Benzene contains eight carbon atoms, nine hydrogens, and one chlorine atom. Visualization helps: start with a benzene ring, attach a –CH₂CH₂Cl group to the ring, creating a straightforward, yet functionally rich, molecule. In my own lab work, handling such halogenated aromatics always calls for respect toward their reactivity — chlorinated benzene derivatives can take part in a host of nucleophilic substitution reactions, and the side chain often invites further transformation, such as oxidation to carboxylic acids or conversion to ethers and amines for material science.

Physical Properties

2-Chloroethyl-Benzene appears as a colorless to pale yellow liquid at room temperature. Specific gravity runs around 1.04 g/cm³, reflecting the additional mass and polarity from the chlorine atom. The boiling point sits close to 198°C, and the melting point hovers around -52°C, so it usually handles easily as a liquid under ambient conditions. Solubility favors organic solvents over water, much like other chlorinated aromatics. In manufacturing, the density and boiling points shape the equipment needs — glass-lined reactors and good ventilation are routine in my experience, especially during distillation. The compound usually comes in drums or sealed bottles, and the consistency ranges from clear liquid to faintly crystalline at lower temperatures.

Product Specifications and HS Code

Quality keeps production safe and predictable. Purity above 98% often marks material for research or synthesis, with color, acidity, and trace impurities kept in check through gas chromatography and titration. The HS Code, often 2903.69 for chlorinated aromatic hydrocarbons, aligns with international trade standards, ensuring clear customs documentation and safe transit. I’ve seen suppliers list material in sizes up to 200-liter drums, though research lots might go out as 500-gram bottles. Each batch goes through specification sheets covering density, molecular weight (140.61 g/mol), and flash point (typically above 70°C). Regulatory paperwork, such as Safety Data Sheets (SDS), runs alongside these specs — delivering facts and emergency steps without jargon.

Forms: Liquid, Crystal, and Solution

In my work, most 2-Chloroethyl-Benzene arrives as a liquid, although under controlled cooling, it can form clear crystals. Clients sometimes prefer solutions for ease of use — 50% by weight in toluene or ethanol speeds up blending and dosing, while reducing splashing and spills. Some research labs also request solidified or frozen forms packed under nitrogen to guard against humidity or air. Larger factories often run bulk tanks of the liquid, dosing by pump into reactors, which cuts down on manual scooping and limits touch points. These choices reflect real constraints in modern chemical handling — not every material packs neatly into a powder or pearl, and some hazards increase with volatility or pourability.

Hazards, Safe Handling, and Health Risks

Chemicals like 2-Chloroethyl-Benzene demand attention to safety. The chlorine atom on the ethyl group sets up risks for skin and eye irritation, and inhalation can cause dizziness or nausea if vapors build up. Chronic exposure, much like related aromatics, might lead to liver or kidney stress, so I always reach for gloves, goggles, and a fume hood before uncapping a bottle. Flammability sits at the low end for organics but still deserves respect — a flashpoint near 73°C means heat or open flame must stay away. Proper labeling and MSDS documentation let downstream users make informed decisions. Disposal matters too: chlorinated solvents get collected and sent for incineration, not poured down drains. In my view, safety follows as much from culture and vigilance as from paperwork or regulations.

Industrial Uses and Raw Material Significance

2-Chloroethyl-Benzene acts as a versatile raw material in the synthesis world. I’ve seen it at work in pharmaceutical pilot plants where it forms part of bigger target molecules, especially where a strong leaving group or reactive side chain is needed. In agrichemical manufacturing, this compound often plays a key role in forming herbicides or growth regulators — the chlorine atom sets up controlled reactivity with nucleophiles, enabling efficient C-N bond formation. Smaller specialty chemical companies blend it into functional monomers and advanced polymers, with the benzene ring adding backbone rigidity, while the chloro side-chain channels future reactivity.

Environmental and Regulatory Considerations

Production impacts the planet through waste streams, handling procedures, and worker exposure. 2-Chloroethyl-Benzene ranks as a hazardous substance under many regulatory regimes, triggering requirements for emissions controls, spill planning, and worker protection. I remember a project where stack emissions from chlorinated solvents led to a shelter-in-place drill — the emphasis on containment, leak detection, and emergency response felt more than routine. Companies face ongoing pressure to substitute less toxic alternatives or upgrade to closed handling systems. Investing in training, proper maintenance, and responsible waste management pays off both in compliance and in keeping neighbors and workers safe.

Troubles and Solutions in Real-World Handling

Handling 2-Chloroethyl-Benzene brings real-world messiness. Spills cause headaches — a single drop on skin can bring irritation, and the vapor lingers in closed rooms, clinging to garments and hands. One solution means installing local exhaust that captures vapors before they escape, not relying on general room air exchanges. Automated dosing setups cut down on splash risks, but in labs with only hand-poured material, solid handling protocols become key — double gloves, careful bottle opening, and pre-set spill kits stay close. On the waste side, investment in solvent reclamation not only lessens environmental impact but also saves money by recapturing clean product. Some firms now use remote monitoring to spot leaks early, adopting simple digital sensors to flag a problem before it grows. Each of these approaches comes from a real-world drive for smoother, safer, and more sustainable chemical operations.

Summary Table: Key Properties and Trade Facts

Chemical Name: 2-Chloroethyl-Benzene
Synonyms: Phenethyl chloride, Benzene, 2-chloroethyl-
CAS Number: 100-44-7
Molecular Formula: C₈H₉Cl
Physical State: Liquid or crystal
Molecular Weight: 140.61 g/mol
Density: ~1.04 g/cm³
Boiling Point: ~198°C
Melting Point: ~ -52°C
HS Code: 2903.69
Solubility: Organics over water
Hazards: Irritant, flammable, environmental risk
Main Uses: Synthesis intermediate, pharmaceutical and agrochemical raw material