C3H5ClO

C3H5ClO is the molecular formula that can describe several constitutional isomers containing three carbons, five hydrogens, one chlorine, and one oxygen. Because of the single degree of unsaturation, these compounds either contain a carbonyl group (as in aldehydes, ketones, or acyl chlorides) or a ring. The formula therefore corresponds to a small family of compounds rather than a single substance.

The principal isomers are: propanoyl chloride (propanoyl chloride), CH3-CH2-COCl, a reactive acyl chloride used in organic synthesis; chloroacetone (1-chloro-2-propanone), CH3-CO-CH2Cl, a chlorinated ketone; 2-chloropropanal, CH3-CH(Cl)-CHO, an aldehyde; and 3-chloropropanal, Cl-CH2-CH2-CHO, another aldehyde. These examples illustrate how the same empirical formula can describe structurally distinct compounds with different properties and reactivities. Other possible isomers with the same formula exist as well, including less common or unstable derivatives.

Handling and usage vary by isomer; aldehydes and acyl chlorides tend to be reactive and potentially hazardous, requiring appropriate safety measures and ventilation. Ketones like chloroacetone are also reactive and can be irritants or hazardous.

In summary, C3H5ClO is a formula that denotes multiple related compounds rather than a single chemical, and the exact identity should be specified by a structural name or structural diagram for precise information.