Abstract

Acetyl chloride, C₂H₃OCl, mol wt 78.50, is a colorless, corrosive, irritating liquid that fumes in air. It reacts very rapidly with water, readily hydrolyzing to acetic acid and hydrochloric acid. Acetyl chloride is toxic. Its high reactivity leads to modifications that block the action of enzymes needed by living tissue. Acetyl chloride is manufactured by the reaction of sodium acetate or acetic acid and phosphorus trichloride. It is a powerful acetylating agent and is used in the manufacture of aspirin, acetaminophen, acetanilide, and acetophenone, and in liquid crystal compositions.