2Chloro1iodoethane

2-Chloro-1-iodoethane is an organic compound with the chemical formula C2H4ClI. It is a dihaloethane, meaning it contains two halogen atoms. In this case, one chlorine atom and one iodine atom are attached to the two carbon atoms of an ethane molecule. The compound is a colorless liquid at room temperature. Its structure features a chlorine atom on one carbon and an iodine atom on the adjacent carbon. This arrangement makes it a vicinal dihalide.

The synthesis of 2-chloro-1-iodoethane can be achieved through various chemical reactions. One common method involves the reaction of ethylene with both chlorine and iodine, although controlling the specific product can be challenging. Alternatively, it can be prepared by the halogen exchange reaction of 1,2-dichloroethane or 1,2-diiodoethane with appropriate halogenating agents.

Due to the presence of two different halogen atoms with differing electronegativities and leaving group abilities, 2-chloro-1-iodoethane can participate in various organic transformations. It can undergo nucleophilic substitution reactions, where either the chlorine or the iodine atom can be replaced by other functional groups. The iodine atom is generally a better leaving group than the chlorine atom, which can lead to regioselective reactions. It can also undergo elimination reactions under basic conditions to form vinyl halides. Its reactivity makes it a useful intermediate in the synthesis of more complex organic molecules, though its industrial applications are not widespread.