Ethyl chloroformate is an organic compound with the chemical formula . It is the ethyl ester of chloroformic acid. It is a colorless, corrosive and highly toxic liquid. It is a reagent used in organic synthesis for the introduction of the ethyl carbamate protecting groupProtective Groups in Organic Synthesis, Third Edition, Theodora W. Greene and Peter G. M. Wuts, pages 504-506, and for the formation of carboxylic anhydrides.
Preparation Ethyl chloroformate can be prepared using ethanol and phosgene:
Safety Ethyl chloroformate is a highly toxic, flammable, corrosive substance. It causes severe burns when comes in contact with eyes and/or skin, can be harmful if swallowed or inhaled.
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