Methylklorid

Methylklorid, also known as chloromethane, is the simplest chlorinated hydrocarbon with the chemical formula CH3Cl. It is a volatile, colorless gas at room temperature and is the lightest member of the chloromethanes. It has a mildly sweet odor and is soluble to a modest extent in water, with greater solubility in many organic solvents.

Industrial production of methylklorid occurs mainly by halogenation routes. One common method is the reaction of methanol with hydrogen chloride to form chloromethane and water. Another possible route is the direct chlorination of methane using chlorine under radical conditions, which produces chloromethane among other products. Both processes have environmental and safety considerations and are carefully controlled in modern chemical plants.

Methylklorid has several industrial uses as a chemical intermediate. It serves as a building block for the production of various organochlorine compounds and is involved in the manufacture of specialty chemicals. Historically, it was used as a solvent and, in some cases, as a refrigerant, but its use in many applications has declined due to toxicity and regulatory restrictions.

Safety and regulation are important considerations with methylklorid. It is toxic and an inhalation hazard; exposure can affect the nervous system and respiratory tract. It is flammable and should be handled with appropriate engineering controls, ventilation, and personal protective equipment. In the environment, methylklorid is a trace atmospheric constituent that can contribute to chlorine radical chemistry in the stratosphere, and its use and emissions are subject to regulatory oversight in many countries. See also chloromethane.