Abstract

Ethyl chloride (chloroethane), C₂H₅Cl, is a colorless, mobile liquid with a nonirritating ethereal odor and a pleasant taste. It is flammable, is normally stored as liquefied gas, and burns with a green-edged flame, producing hydrogen chloride fumes. This article discusses its properties, manufacture, toxicology, and economic aspects. Ethyl chloride has primarily been used in the manufacture of the fuel additive tetraethyllead (TEL). Environmental legislation mandating the use of lead-free fuels caused a steep decline in production of ethyl chloride. A recent study has shown evidence of carcinogenic activity in female mice exposed to 15,000 ppm. The only other important demand for ethyl chloride is in the production of ethylcellulose.