chlorohydrates

Chlorohydrates are a class of chemical compounds formed by the reaction of a base with hydrochloric acid. In these reactions, the hydrochloric acid acts as an acid, and the base acts as a base, resulting in the formation of a salt and water. The resulting salt is a chlorohydrate, meaning it contains the chloride ion (Cl-) as the anion.

Many organic compounds, particularly those containing basic nitrogen atoms like amines, readily form chlorohydrates when treated with hydrochloric acid. This process is often used to purify or isolate these compounds. The formation of a chlorohydrate can change the solubility of an organic compound, making it more soluble in polar solvents like water and less soluble in nonpolar organic solvents. This difference in solubility can be exploited in separation and purification techniques, such as recrystallization.

The properties of chlorohydrates can vary significantly depending on the parent base. Some are stable crystalline solids, while others may be hygroscopic or deliquescent. The term chlorohydrate is sometimes also used informally to refer to compounds that are hydrates containing chloride ions, but the primary chemical definition refers to the salt formed from a base and hydrochloric acid. The reverse process, the liberation of the free base from its chlorohydrate, can be achieved by treatment with a stronger base.