ACID CHLORIDE Meaning and
Definition
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An acid chloride is a type of organic compound that belongs to the class of acyl chlorides. It is characterized by the presence of a carbonyl group (C=O), in which the oxygen atom is bonded to a chlorine atom (Cl) and a carbon atom. Acid chlorides are formed when a carboxylic acid reacts with an acid halide, especially thionyl chloride (SOCl2) or phosphorus pentachloride (PCl5).
They are highly reactive and exhibit strong acidic properties due to the presence of the chlorine atom. The chlorine atom readily undergoes substitution reactions, leading to the formation of various organic compounds. This high reactivity makes acid chlorides versatile compounds that are used extensively in organic synthesis.
Acid chlorides are commonly used as intermediates in the production of pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and various other organic compounds. They are reactive enough to undergo reactions with a wide range of nucleophiles, such as amines or alcohols, to produce amides or esters, respectively.
Due to their reactivity and potential hazards, acid chlorides need to be handled with caution. They can be corrosive and toxic, causing severe skin and eye irritations. Additionally, they may release toxic gases when exposed to water or moisture. Therefore, appropriate safety measures and protective equipment should be used when working with acid chlorides.
Etymology of ACID CHLORIDE
The word "acid chloride" is composed of two main parts: "acid" and "chloride".
The term "acid" originated from the Latin word "acidus", which means "sour". It was used in the context of describing substances with a sour taste. Over time, "acid" came to denote a wider range of chemical substances with similar properties, such as being able to react with metals and other substances.
The word "chloride" is derived from the chemical element "chlorine". The term "chlorine" comes from the Greek word "khloros", meaning "pale green". This color was associated with certain chemical compounds containing chlorine.
When combined, "acid chloride" refers to a chemical compound that consists of an acid group and a chloride group. It signifies that the compound is derived from an acid with the replacement of a hydroxyl group (OH) with a chloride group (Cl).
