Name: 2-(2-Chloroethoxy)ethanol
CAS No.: 628-89-7
EINECS No.: 211-059-9
Chemical Formula: C₄H₉ClO₂
Molecular Weight: 124.57
InChI: InChI=1S/C4H9ClO2/c5-1-3-7-4-2-6/h6H,1-4H2
Density: 1.134 g/cm³ (1.18 g/cm³)
Boiling Point: 180-185°C / 182.5°C at 760 mmHg
Flash Point: 90°C / 90.6°C
Water Solubility: Soluble (70,000 mg/L at 30°C)
Vapor Pressure: 0.234 mmHg at 25°C / 0.17 mmHg at 20°C
Refractive Index: 1.4519-1.4539 (n20/D 1.452)
Storage Conditions: Store in a sealed container in a cool, dry place away from oxidizers.
Sensitivity: Sensitive to oxidizers.
Appearance: Colorless, transparent liquid.
Specific Gravity: 1.180 (water=1)
Color: Colorless
BRN 1738251
MDL No.: MFCD00018963
Hazard Symbol: Xi (Irritant)
Risk Terms: R36 (Eye Irritation)
Safety Terms: S26 (Immediately flush eyes with plenty of water and seek medical attention if contact occurs); S39 (Wear eye/face protection)
Customs Code 29055900
Properties: 2-Chloroethoxyethanol is a haloalcohol compound, a transparent colorless liquid at room temperature and pressure, possessing the general physicochemical properties of alkyl alcohols. It is highly soluble in water (70,000 mg/L at 30°C) and miscible with most organic solvents. Its melting point is -12.57°C, boiling point is 180-185°C, and flash point is approximately 90°C. This compound is irritating and can cause skin and eye irritation; it is classified as a skin sensitizer. Its pH value is approximately 3.52, its density at 30°C is 1.122 g/cm³, and its dynamic viscosity is 5.332 mPa·s.
Uses: 2-Chloroethoxyethanol is an important organic chemical raw material and pharmaceutical intermediate. Main applications include:
* Pharmaceutical intermediate: Used in the industrial synthesis of hydroxyzine hydrochloride (Antalex), a classic tranquilizer used for mild tension, anxiety, and restlessness.
* Organic synthesis: Used as a raw material in the manufacture of polyvinyl chloride.
* Oxidative synthesis: 2-(2-chloroethoxy)acetic acid can be synthesized from 2-chloroethoxyethanol as a starting material, with a yield of up to 89%.
* Synthesis of 1,4-dioxane: Synthesized using 2-chloroethoxyethanol and a strong base as the main raw materials. The purity can reach 99.0%, and the yield is over 80%.
Preparation Methods: The main methods for preparing 2-chloroethoxyethanol are as follows:
Method 1: Using diethylene glycol (di-(2-hydroxyethoxy)-ether) as a raw material, it is first reacted with metaboric anhydride in the presence of a solvent to obtain the intermediate tri-(2-hydroxyethoxy-1-yl)-ethyl metaborate. This intermediate is then treated with thionyl chloride to obtain the intermediate tri-(2-chloroethoxy-1-yl)-ethyl metaborate, and finally hydrolyzed to obtain the target product 2-chloroethoxyethanol. This method is easy to operate, has a mild system, few side reactions, and boric acid can be recovered and reused.
Method 2: Diethylene glycol and a catalyst in a molar ratio of 0.8-1.5:0.3 are added to a two-necked flask and reacted at 130℃-170℃. The condensate is collected using a condenser, distilled to obtain dichloroethyl ether, and the remaining liquid is filtered to obtain 2-chloroethoxyethanol. The mixed acid comprises concentrated hydrochloric acid and concentrated sulfuric acid in a mass ratio of 25-35:1.
Upstream raw materials: Ethylene oxide, hydrogen chloride
Safety Information
Hazard Classification: Skin irritation (Category 2), Eye irritation (Category 2). GHS Hazard Statement: H315 (causes skin irritation), H319 (causes severe eye irritation).
First Aid Measures:
Inhalation: Move the victim to fresh air. If breathing is difficult, administer oxygen. If breathing stops, perform artificial respiration and seek immediate medical attention.
Skin Contact: Immediately remove contaminated clothing and wash with soap and plenty of water. Seek medical attention.
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes with clean water for at least 15 minutes. Seek medical attention.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water. Do not induce vomiting. Do not feed an unconscious person. Immediately call a doctor or poison control center.
Firefighting Measures: Use dry powder, carbon dioxide, or alcohol-resistant foam to extinguish the fire. Firefighters should wear self-contained breathing apparatus. Combustion products include toxic and corrosive gases such as carbon dioxide and hydrogen chloride.
Storage Requirements: Store in a sealed container in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place, away from oxidizers, food and feed containers. Avoid contact with oxidizers (such as nitrates, oxidizing acids, chlorine bleach, etc.).
Toxicity Data:
Acute Toxicity (Oral): LD50 – Rat – 6,300 mg/kg
Acute Toxicity (Dermal): LD50 – Guinea Pig – 3,000 mg/kg
Inhalation Toxicity: LC50 – Guinea Pig – 499.43 mg/L
Fish Toxicity: LC50 – Zebrafish – >2,150 – <4,640 mg/L (96h)
Ecological Information: Has some toxicity to aquatic organisms, does not readily bioaccumulate, and has high mobility in soil.
Post time: Mar-26-2026
