Acetyl chloride is a colorless, corrosive, and volatile liquid that is primarily used in the production of various organic compounds. It is an important chemical compound that has a wide range of applications in the chemical industry. In this article, we will discuss the definition, origin, meaning, associations, synonyms, antonyms, and example sentences of acetyl chloride.
Definitions
Acetyl chloride is a chemical compound with the formula CH3COCl. It is an acyl chloride that is derived from acetic acid. The compound is also known as ethanoyl chloride, and it is used in the production of various organic compounds, such as pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and dyes.
Origin
Acetyl chloride was first synthesized in 1852 by the French chemist Charles Gerhardt. He prepared it by reacting acetic acid with phosphorus pentachloride. The compound was later used in the production of aspirin, which was synthesized by Felix Hoffmann in 1897.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, acetyl chloride is defined as “a colorless fuming corrosive liquid, CH3COCl, used especially in organic synthesis.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “a colorless, pungent liquid, CH3COCl, used as an acetylating agent in organic synthesis.”
Associations
Acetyl chloride is associated with various organic compounds, such as pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and dyes. It is also associated with the production of aspirin, which is derived from salicylic acid and acetic anhydride.
Synonyms
The synonyms of acetyl chloride include ethanoyl chloride, acetic acid chloride, and acyl chloride.
Antonyms
There are no specific antonyms for acetyl chloride, as it is a chemical compound with a specific formula and properties.
The same root words
The same root words as acetyl chloride include acetic acid, which is the precursor to acetyl chloride, and acetyl group, which is a functional group that is derived from acetic acid.
Example Sentences
- The production of pharmaceuticals involves the use of acetyl chloride as an acylating agent.
- The fuming properties of acetyl chloride make it a hazardous chemical to handle.
- The synthesis of aspirin involves the reaction of salicylic acid with acetyl chloride.
- The use of acetyl chloride in the production of agrochemicals has increased in recent years.
- The acetyl group in acetyl chloride is a common functional group in organic chemistry.