Cl2COCOCl

Cl2COCOCl, also known as dichlorocarbene, is a chemical compound with the formula Cl2COCOCl. It is a reactive intermediate in organic chemistry, particularly in the context of carbene chemistry. Carbenes are highly reactive species that contain a carbon atom with six valence electrons, making them highly electrophilic.

Dichlorocarbene is typically generated in situ from the reaction of phosgene (COCl2) with a suitable carbene precursor, such as diazomethane. The reaction proceeds via a rearrangement, where the phosgene molecule inserts into the carbon-nitrogen bond of the diazomethane, leading to the formation of dichlorocarbene and nitrogen gas.

This carbene intermediate can undergo various reactions, including insertions into carbon-hydrogen bonds, carbon-carbon double bonds, and carbon-halogen bonds. These reactions are often used in synthetic organic chemistry to construct complex molecules from simpler precursors.

Dichlorocarbene is highly reactive and unstable, making it difficult to isolate and study in its pure form. Instead, it is usually generated and reacted in situ, allowing chemists to exploit its reactivity for synthetic purposes. Its ability to insert into various types of bonds makes it a valuable tool in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and other organic compounds.