Ethylbenzyl Chloride stands out as a chemical compound valued in various sectors. With the molecular formula C9H11Cl and a molecular weight of 154.64 g/mol, this material appears as a colorless to pale yellow liquid. Its distinct aromatic scent gives off a clear warning that you’re dealing with a reactive substance. From my experience, working with chlorinated hydrocarbons like this one demands not just technical knowledge but respect for proper handling procedures due to the chemical’s hazardous properties. Ethylbenzyl Chloride remains a raw material that supports manufacturing in dyes, pharmaceuticals, and specialty chemicals, often chosen for its reliable reactivity and manageable handling in controlled environments.
The structure features a benzene ring bonded to an ethyl group and a chlorine atom, which sets up the dual nature of hydrocarbon stability and reactive halogen. This combination gives Ethylbenzyl Chloride properties that attract interest for organic synthesis. Density hovers near 1.01 to 1.02 g/cm³ at 25°C—a touch denser than water—while its melting point sits below standard room temperature, so storage usually means a clear or faintly colored mobile liquid. Sometimes you’ll find descriptions of solid, flakes, or powder forms, but most handling in industry involves the liquid state. The boiling point lands around 211°C, and its low water solubility underlines the need for good ventilation and proper personal protective equipment (PPE) when sampling or transferring the chemical. R&D folks might use it as an intermediate in synthesis, so knowing melting, boiling, density, along with the physical phase at ambient temperature, becomes part of daily practice.
In trade and shipping, the Harmonized System (HS) Code for Ethylbenzyl Chloride usually tags along with other chlorinated hydrocarbons. For many countries, you’ll see codes nested under 2903.19 for chlorinated aromatic hydrocarbons. International buyers and suppliers use these numbers to identify and track shipments, facilitating customs clearance and regulatory compliance. Purity tends to be critical, with technical grades often running above 98% pure depending on application. Some batches come stabilized, reducing degradation during storage, which is helpful when supply chains cross countries with variable climate control in warehouses.
Ethylbenzyl Chloride brings some risk to the table. Direct contact irritates skin and eyes quickly, and inhalation triggers respiratory discomfort or worse. Chemical handling rules demand gloves, goggles, and efficient fume hoods. Regulatory literature catalogs it as harmful—and classifies it under hazardous chemicals—due to its reactive chloride, capacity to cause chemical burns, and possible release of toxic fumes when exposed to heat or improper mixing. I recall a warehouse mishap years back—no injuries, but an open drum let fumes loose and cleared an entire floor. Properly labeled containers, strict inventory controls, and ongoing training turn these learning moments into actionable safety standards for everyone handling raw chemical materials.
This compound plays a core role as a building block in synthesizing active pharmaceutical ingredients, agrochemicals, and dye precursors. Chemists prize its ability to activate aromatic systems for further functionalizations. Over years in specialty chemicals, I watched as small changes to the aromatic ring, like introducing a chloride, totally changed downstream product profiles and performance for clients in coatings, polymers, and molecular research. Anyone dealing with creative organic synthesis finds value in simple chemicals like Ethylbenzyl Chloride; its utility cuts across batch production, analytical method validation, and custom molecule development for laboratories chasing novel compounds.
Chemical stewardship insists on responsible handling from delivery through disposal. Ethylbenzyl Chloride does not break down readily in nature; spills or improper disposal muddy soil and water, disrupting local ecosystems. Incinerators designed for halogenated organics can safely destroy waste, and regulatory agencies enforce strict thresholds for airborne emissions and effluent discharge. At every operation, the drive to minimize waste, recover solvents, and confidently segregate hazardous material streams comes from the need to cut environmental harm. Seeing chemical containers segregated by compatibility, waste streams coded for safe treatment, and paperwork meticulously checked, you start to appreciate the human effort protecting both coworkers and communities nearby.
Ethylbenzyl Chloride carries value for diverse industries, but it asks for attention and knowledge from users. Technical data—density, molecular details, hazard codes—form the backbone for safe material handling. Personal experiences, even missteps, drive home the point: respect for the chemical and shared vigilance ensures safe use. From the lab bench to production plant, practical awareness and scientific foundation create a culture where chemicals like Ethylbenzyl Chloride remain useful tools, and not sources of uncontrolled risk.
