Chloroethane
Definition and meaning of Chloroethane in chemistry.
Chloroethane is a haloalkane with the formula C2H5Cl (CH3CH2Cl), a colorless, flammable gas at ordinary room temperature that liquefies just below it; it is commonly known by its older name, ethyl chloride.
In more detail
It is prepared industrially by the hydrohalogenation of ethylene with hydrogen chloride, or by the free-radical chlorination of ethane. Because its boiling point (12.3 °C) is below body temperature, liquid chloroethane sprayed onto skin evaporates almost instantly, drawing heat away and producing rapid, intense local cooling. This property makes it useful as a topical anesthetic (vapocoolant spray) for minor medical procedures and sports injuries. It was historically important as a chemical intermediate in the manufacture of tetraethyllead, a leaded-gasoline antiknock additive.
Key facts
| Formula | C2H5Cl (CH3CH2Cl) |
|---|---|
| Boiling Point | 12.3 °C |
| Molar Mass | 64.51 g/mol |
| Field | Organic Chemistry |
Ethylene gas reacts with hydrogen chloride via electrophilic addition to form chloroethane: CH2=CH2 + HCl → CH3CH2Cl.
Frequently asked questions
Why does chloroethane spray feel cold on the skin?
Its boiling point (12.3 °C) is below skin temperature, so the liquid evaporates almost immediately on contact, absorbing heat from the skin and producing a brief local anesthetic cooling effect.
Is chloroethane the same substance as ethyl chloride?
Yes, ethyl chloride is the traditional common name for chloroethane (CH3CH2Cl), the systematic IUPAC name.