Metachlorotoluene

Metachlorotoluene is an organic compound with the chemical formula C7H7Cl. It is a substituted toluene molecule where a chlorine atom is attached to the meta position of the benzene ring, relative to the methyl group. This compound is also known as 3-chlorotoluene. It is a colorless liquid at room temperature with a characteristic aromatic odor. Metachlorotoluene is sparingly soluble in water but miscible with many organic solvents such as ethanol and ether.

This chemical is primarily used as an intermediate in the synthesis of other organic chemicals, including dyes, pharmaceuticals, and agrochemicals. Its specific reactivity, influenced by the presence of both the methyl and chlorine substituents on the aromatic ring, allows for various chemical transformations. For example, the chlorine atom can be displaced in nucleophilic substitution reactions, and the methyl group can undergo oxidation or halogenation.

Metachlorotoluene can be synthesized through the chlorination of toluene. Depending on the reaction conditions and catalysts used, different isomers of chlorotoluene can be formed. Careful control is necessary to favor the meta isomer. Like many chlorinated aromatic compounds, metachlorotoluene should be handled with appropriate safety precautions due to its potential irritant properties and environmental considerations.