Ethyl chloroformate

Ethyl chloroformate is an organic compound with the chemical formula ClCO2CH2CH3.

It is a colorless, corrosive and highly toxic liquid.

It is a reagent used in organic synthesis for the introduction of the ethyl carbamate protecting group[3] and for the formation of carboxylic anhydrides.

Ethyl chloroformate can be prepared using ethanol and phosgene: Ethyl chloroformate is a highly toxic, flammable, corrosive substance.

It causes severe burns when comes in contact with eyes and/or skin, can be harmful if swallowed or inhaled.

Skeletal formula of ethyl chloroformate
Ball-and-stick model of the ethyl chloroformate molecule
NFPA 704 four-colored diamond Health 4: Very short exposure could cause death or major residual injury. E.g. VX gas Flammability 3: Liquids and solids that can be ignited under almost all ambient temperature conditions. Flash point between 23 and 38 °C (73 and 100 °F). E.g. gasoline Instability 0: Normally stable, even under fire exposure conditions, and is not reactive with water. E.g. liquid nitrogen Special hazard W: Reacts with water in an unusual or dangerous manner. E.g. sodium, sulfuric acid