Benzyl chloride is prepared industrially by the gas-phase photochemical reaction of toluene with chlorine:[3] In this way, approximately 100,000 tonnes are produced annually.
Quaternary ammonium salts, used as surfactants, are readily formed by alkylation of tertiary amines with benzyl chloride.
Benzyl chloride reacts with aqueous sodium hydroxide to give dibenzyl ether.
Benzyl chloride also reacts readily with metallic magnesium to produce a Grignard reagent.
11002), and is subject to strict reporting requirements by facilities which produce, store, or use it in significant quantities.