Acetyl chloride

Acetyl chloride is a colorless, moisture-sensitive acid chloride with formula CH₃COCl. It transfers acetyl groups in organic synthesis and reacts readily with water and nucleophiles.

Nucleophilic acyl substitution: A reaction in which a nucleophile replaces a substituent attached to an acyl carbon. Acetyl chloride reacts by substitution at its carbonyl carbon, expelling chloride.
Acetylation: A reaction that introduces an acetyl group into a molecule. This is the principal transformation for which acetyl chloride is used.
Acid chloride: A carboxylic acid derivative in which the hydroxyl group is replaced by chlorine. Acetyl chloride is the acid chloride derived from acetic acid.
Corrosive substance: A substance that chemically damages living tissue or materials through direct contact. Acetyl chloride and its hydrolysis products can cause severe chemical burns.
Acylation: The introduction of an acyl group into a molecule. Acetyl chloride is a common reagent for transferring its acetyl group.
Acetylation of alcohols: Conversion of an alcohol’s hydroxyl group into an acetate ester. Acetyl chloride converts alcohols into acetate esters, often in the presence of a base.
Acetyl group: The acyl group CH₃CO–, derived from acetic acid. It is the fragment acetyl chloride transfers during acetylation.
Hydrogen chloride: A colorless, corrosive gas that forms hydrochloric acid when dissolved in water. Reaction with moisture releases this irritating, corrosive gas.
Acetic anhydride: A symmetrical anhydride of acetic acid used as an acetylating reagent. It acetylates many of the same substrates but is generally less reactive.
Acetylation of amines: Conversion of an amine into an amide by introducing an acetyl group. The reagent transfers its acetyl group to amines, producing N-acetyl derivatives.

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Benzoyl chlorideCompared with: It is a smaller aliphatic counterpart without benzoyl chloride’s aromatic ring.