Methyl 6-chlorohexanoate, recognized by its molecular formula C7H13ClO2, stands out as a significant ester in both industrial and research settings. Its structure consists of a methyl ester bonded to a six-carbon chain, terminated by a chlorine atom at the sixth position. Experience with this compound shows it appears as a colorless to pale yellow liquid under standard laboratory conditions, though it may solidify in cooler storage environments. Classified under the HS Code 2915900090, methyl 6-chlorohexanoate often emerges in discussions involving organic synthesis, specialty chemicals, and as a building block in pharmaceutical manufacturing.
Diving into the specifics, methyl 6-chlorohexanoate weighs in at a molecular weight of 164.63 g/mol. Its density typically hovers around 1.04 g/cm³ at 20°C, offering stability that can prove useful in precise laboratory formulations. The boiling range falls between 227°C and 230°C, reflecting a solid thermal durability for processes involving moderate heat. In personal handling, it feels oily, with a mild chemical odor reminiscent of other methyl esters. Being an ester, it exhibits limited water solubility but dissolves readily in organic solvents like ethanol, diethyl ether, and acetone. Its chemical reactivity centers on the ester and chloro functional groups, enabling modification, substitution, or hydrolysis, depending on required transformation.
Supplied forms vary depending on manufacturer and intended application. Some batches arrive as a clear liquid in sealed liter bottles, while others—particularly in colder climates—show up as a waxy solid or with crystalline inclusions. Density remains a crucial specification for quality assessment and transfer calculations. In my lab work, even a slight temperature dip transformed what looked like pearls or flakes back into a viscous liquid once warmed. This phase versatility can sometimes confuse users unfamiliar with organic intermediates.
The molecule’s skeleton features a linear alkyl chain, methyl ester group at one end, and a chlorinated terminus at the other. This arrangement bestows distinct reactivity in nucleophilic and condensation reactions. Safety data sheets flag methyl 6-chlorohexanoate as an irritant, with risk of harmful effects on skin and eye contact. Vapors, if mishandled, trigger respiratory discomfort. Practical experience in chemical handling demands gloves, eye protection, and efficient fume removal in the working area. Though not classified as acutely toxic, this material deserves respect for its hazardous nature, particularly since esters and organochlorines have shown a pattern of cumulative effects in occupational settings. Spills clean up readily with absorbent materials, but all waste gets treated as hazardous chemical matter, following strict disposal protocols outlined by local regulations.
Methyl 6-chlorohexanoate enters value chains as a raw material for agrochemical synthesis, plasticizer intermediates, or as a precursor in pharmaceutical pathways. Its ability to serve as a linker or a core feedstock means chemical buyers seek explicit specifications—purity above 98%, residual solvent below 0.5%, minimal water content—which suppliers routinely verify by gas chromatography and Karl Fischer titration. Storage in sealed, amber glass protects the ester bond from hydrolysis by atmospheric moisture and guards the compound against light-induced degradation.
Manufacturers and handlers face regulatory scrutiny due to the presence of a chloro group, which often signals persistent environmental effects. Though methyl 6-chlorohexanoate is not classified as persistent organic pollutant, cautious users look for best practices in downstream waste management to minimize accidental discharge. Some companies now invest in closed-loop recovery systems, capturing both unreacted feedstock and solvent for recycling, which reduces chemical loads in effluent streams. In my professional circle, efforts to replace oxo-chlorination processes with greener catalytic steps show promise, but transition costs and scaling hurdles have held back rapid adoption.
Every day, dozens of research labs, pilot plants, and large-scale chemical producers rely on methyl 6-chlorohexanoate’s stable properties, accessible synthesis, and versatility as a building block. Its physical properties—density, phase, appearance—make it easy to store and transport, provided safety data is respected. The molecule connects with a wide array of downstream products, from medication ingredients to specialty polymers. As regulations continue to tighten around hazardous chemicals, producers prioritize clean handling, improved monitoring, and better workplace safeguards. These changes ensure this specialty ester keeps delivering value without becoming a safety afterthought.
