orthochlorobenzyl

Orthochlorobenzyl is an organic compound with the chemical formula C7H7Cl. It is a chlorinated derivative of toluene, where a hydrogen atom on the toluene molecule is replaced by a chlorine atom. The chlorine atom is positioned in the ortho position relative to the methyl group, resulting in the IUPAC name 2-chlorotoluene.

Orthochlorobenzyl is a colorless liquid at room temperature with a sweet, aromatic odor. It is soluble in organic solvents such as ethanol and ether, but insoluble in water. The compound is commonly used as a precursor in the synthesis of various pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and other organic compounds. Its reactivity is due to the presence of the chlorine atom, which can undergo substitution reactions with various nucleophiles.

The synthesis of orthochlorobenzyl typically involves the chlorination of toluene using a chlorinating agent such as chlorine gas or thionyl chloride. The reaction is usually carried out in the presence of a catalyst to control the selectivity of the chlorination process. The resulting orthochlorobenzyl can then be further functionalized to produce a wide range of derivatives.

Orthochlorobenzyl is also used as a solvent in various chemical processes due to its ability to dissolve a wide range of organic compounds. Its low toxicity and relatively low boiling point make it a useful solvent in laboratory settings. However, its use should be handled with care due to its potential health and environmental hazards.