Definition of Chloroethane and Chlorobenzene
Chloroethane and Chlorobenzene are two chlorinated hydrocarbons that have different chemical and physical properties, as well as different uses and applications.
Chloroethane, also known as ethyl chloride, is a colorless gas or liquid with a sweet odor. It has the chemical formula C2H5Cl and is primarily used as a refrigerant, solvent, and in the production of tetraethyl lead.
Chlorobenzene, on the other hand, is a colorless liquid with a pleasant odor. It has the chemical formula C6H5Cl and is used primarily as a solvent, as well as in the production of pesticides and other organic compounds. Chlorobenzene is a common starting material for the synthesis of other chemicals.
Importance and applications of Chloroethane and Chlorobenzene
Chloroethane and Chlorobenzene are important chemicals with various industrial and commercial applications.
Chloroethane is used as a refrigerant, solvent, and in the production of tetraethyl lead. It is also used in the synthesis of chemicals such as vinyl chloride, ethylamine, and diethyl ether. Chloroethane is used as an intermediate in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals, such as local anesthetics and antihistamines.
Chlorobenzene is primarily used as a solvent in the production of various chemicals, such as pesticides, dyes, and pharmaceuticals. It is also used as a starting material for the synthesis of other chemicals, including phenol, aniline, and benzene. Chlorobenzene is commonly used in laboratory experiments and industrial processes because of its ability to dissolve a wide range of compounds.
Both Chloroethane and Chlorobenzene are widely used as solvents due to their ability to dissolve a range of substances, and they are also used as intermediates in the synthesis of other chemicals. However, Chlorobenzene is more commonly used as a starting material in the synthesis of other chemicals compared to Chloroethane.
Chemical Properties
The chemical properties of Chloroethane and Chlorobenzene are as follows:
Chloroethane:
- Chemical formula: C2H5Cl
- Molecular weight: 64.52 g/mol
- Physical state: colorless gas or liquid
- Boiling point: 12.3°C
- Melting point: -138.5°C
- Density: 0.918 g/mL
- Solubility in water: slightly soluble
- Solubility in other solvents: soluble in most organic solvents
- Reactivity: Chloroethane is reactive with strong oxidizing agents, such as potassium permanganate, and reacts with metals to produce flammable hydrogen gas. It is also easily hydrolyzed in the presence of water to produce hydrochloric acid.
Chlorobenzene:
- Chemical formula: C6H5Cl
- Molecular weight: 112.56 g/mol
- Physical state: colorless liquid
- Boiling point: 131.7°C
- Melting point: -45.6°C
- Density: 1.106 g/mL
- Solubility in water: slightly soluble
- Solubility in other solvents: highly soluble in organic solvents such as ether, alcohol, and benzene.
- Reactivity: Chlorobenzene is generally unreactive towards many chemical substances, but it can undergo nitration, halogenation, and sulfonation reactions under specific conditions. Chlorobenzene can also react with strong reducing agents to form benzene, and with sodium, and metal to form diphenyl.
Production and Synthesis
The production and synthesis methods for Chloroethane and Chlorobenzene are as follows:
Chloroethane:
- Chloroethane is primarily produced by the reaction of ethylene with hydrogen chloride in the presence of a catalyst such as aluminum chloride or iron (III) chloride. This reaction results in the formation of ethyl chloride and water.
- Another method for producing Chloroethane is by reacting ethanol with hydrogen chloride in the presence of a catalyst such as zinc chloride. This reaction results in the formation of Chloroethane and water.
Chlorobenzene:
- Chlorobenzene is typically produced by the direct chlorination of benzene in the presence of a catalyst such as iron (III) chloride or aluminum chloride. This reaction results in the formation of Chlorobenzene and hydrogen chloride gas.
- Another method for producing Chlorobenzene is the Dow process, which involves the chlorination of benzene using a mixture of chlorine and ferric chloride.
Both Chloroethane and Chlorobenzene can also be synthesized in the laboratory by various methods such as Friedel-Crafts alkylation or halogenation, and other chemical reactions. The choice of method depends on the specific application and desired purity of the product.
Uses and Applications
Chloroethane and Chlorobenzene have various uses and applications in different industries.
Chloroethane:
- As a refrigerant: Chloroethane is used as a refrigerant in various cooling systems.
- As a solvent: Chloroethane is used as a solvent for various organic compounds, including fats, oils, and resins.
- As an intermediate: Chloroethane is used as an intermediate in the production of other chemicals such as vinyl chloride, ethylamine, and diethyl ether.
- In the pharmaceutical industry: Chloroethane is used as an intermediate in the manufacture of local anesthetics and antihistamines.
- In the production of tetraethyl lead: Chloroethane is used as a raw material in the production of tetraethyl lead, which was used as a gasoline additive to improve performance.
Chlorobenzene:
- As a solvent: Chlorobenzene is widely used as a solvent in the production of various chemicals such as pesticides, dyes, and pharmaceuticals.
- As a starting material: Chlorobenzene is used as a starting material for the synthesis of other chemicals such as phenol, aniline, and benzene.
- In the production of polystyrene: Chlorobenzene is used as a raw material in the production of polystyrene, a widely used plastic.
- In laboratory experiments: Chlorobenzene is used in laboratory experiments as a solvent for various substances.
- In the production of perfumes: Chlorobenzene is used as a raw material in the production of some perfumes.
Chloroethane and Chlorobenzene are both versatile chemicals with various industrial and commercial applications.
Differences Between Chloroethane and Chlorobenzene
Chloroethane and Chlorobenzene are both chlorinated hydrocarbons, but they have different chemical and physical properties, as well as different uses and applications.
Some of the main differences between Chloroethane and Chlorobenzene are:
- Chemical structure: Chloroethane has a simple structure with one carbon atom bonded to a chlorine atom and two hydrogen atoms, while Chlorobenzene has a more complex structure with a benzene ring bonded to a chlorine atom.
- Physical properties: Chloroethane is a colorless gas or liquid with a boiling point of 12.3°C and a density of 0.918 g/mL, while Chlorobenzene is a colorless liquid with a boiling point of 131.7°C and a density of 1.106 g/mL.
- Solubility: Chloroethane is slightly soluble in water but highly soluble in organic solvents, while Chlorobenzene is slightly soluble in water and highly soluble in organic solvents such as ether, alcohol, and benzene.
- Reactivity: Chloroethane is reactive with strong oxidizing agents, while Chlorobenzene is generally unreactive towards many chemical substances but can undergo nitration, halogenation, and sulfonation reactions under specific conditions.
- Uses and applications: Chloroethane is used as a refrigerant, solvent, and intermediate in the production of other chemicals, while Chlorobenzene is used as a solvent, starting material for the synthesis of other chemicals, and in the production of polystyrene.
Chloroethane and Chlorobenzene have different properties and uses despite both being chlorinated hydrocarbons.
Conclusion
Chloroethane and Chlorobenzene are two chlorinated hydrocarbons that have different chemical and physical properties, as well as different uses and applications. Chloroethane is a simple molecule with one carbon atom and two hydrogen atoms bonded to a chlorine atom, while Chlorobenzene has a more complex structure with a benzene ring attached to a chlorine atom.
Chloroethane is used as a refrigerant, solvent, and intermediate in the production of other chemicals, while Chlorobenzene is used as a solvent, starting material for the synthesis of other chemicals, and in the production of polystyrene.
Understanding the differences between Chloroethane and Chlorobenzene is important for their proper handling, storage, and use in various industrial and commercial applications.
Reference Website
Here are some websites that provide useful information:
- National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) – PubChem: Chloroethane https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Chloroethane
- National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) – PubChem: Chlorobenzene https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Chlorobenzene
- American Chemistry Council (ACC): Ethyl Chloride (Chloroethane) https://www.americanchemistry.com/ProductsTechnology/Ethyl-Chloride-Chloroethane
- ScienceDirect: Chlorobenzene https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/chemistry/chlorobenzene
- Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC): Chloroethane https://www.rsc.org/periodic-table/element/17/chloroethane
- Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC): Chlorobenzene https://www.rsc.org/periodic-table/element/17/chlorobenzene
