Benzyl Chloride

Other Names:

α-Chlorotoluene

(Chloromethyl)benzene

General Information:

Structure:

CAS Number: 100-44-7

Molecular Weight: 126.58 g/mol

Appearance: Colorless liquid

Melting Point: -39 C

Boiling Point: 179 C

Density: 1.100 g/mL at 25 C

Benzyl chloride is an effective electrophile used in organic chemistry for introducing benzyl groups. Benzyl chloride can be used for the benzyl protection of amines and alcohols, however this is more commonly performed with benzyl bromide.

Common Uses:

Reagent for the benzyl protection of amines

Reagent for the benzyl protection of alcohols

Safety:

Benzyl chloride is a lachrymator and is very irritating to the skin.

References:

1) Wikipedia: Benzyl chloride (link)

2) www.sigmaaldrich.com: Benzyl chloride (link)

3) www.alfa.com: A12481 Benzyl chloride, 99%, stab. (link)