Chloroacetamide Explained

Chloroacetamide (2-chloroacetamide) is a chlorinated organic compound with the molecular formula . It is a colorless solid although older samples appear yellow. It has a characteristic odor and is readily soluble in water.^[1] It has the structure .

Production

Chloroacetamide is produced by ammonolysis of esters of chloroacetic acid:^[2]

Uses

Chloroacetamide has been used as an herbicide,^[3] preservative.^[4] and in the manufacturing of pharmaceuticals.

Hazards

Chloroacetamide is toxic, irritates eyes and skin, and may cause an allergic reaction. It is suspected of reproductive toxicity and teratogenicity.^[5]

See also

• Novosphingobium chloroacetimidivorans, a bacterium named after its ability to degrade chloroacetamide

Notes and References

1. http://www.inchem.org/documents/icsc/icsc/eics0640.htm 2-Chloroacetamide
2. W. A.. Jacobs. M. . Heidelberger. 10.15227/orgsyn.007.0016. Chloroacetamide. Organic Syntheses. 1927. 7. 16.
3. http://www.epochem.com/products/agroHerbicides.htm Herbicides - Epochem
4. http://www.chemicalsubstanceschimiques.gc.ca/challenge-defi/batch-lot-5/79-07-2_e.html Acetamide, 2-chloro- - Government of Canada
5. Web site: Decisiondu 14 juin 2012 . . fr . 2012-07-03 . 2013-05-23 . https://web.archive.org/web/20130523054342/http://ansm.sante.fr/content/download/41931/545388/version/1/file/dps-120625-Chloroacetamide-du-14062012.pdf . dead.