Applications
It is mainly used as an intermediate for preparation of other chemicals. Phenyl chloroformate is used in the synthesis of poly(2-(phenoxycarbonyloxy)ethyl methacrylate) and phenyl-(4-vinylphenyl) carbonate. It acts as a precursor of phenyl mixed anhydrides which are used in peptide coupling reactions.
 
Description
COLOURLESS-TO-LIGHT-YELLOW LIQUID WITH PUNGENT ODOUR. Decomposes on heating and on contact with water and moisture. This produces toxic and corrosive fumes including hydrogen chloride and phenol. Reacts violently with acids, alcohols, amines, bases, oxidants and metals.
 
Preparation
Phenyl chloroformate (I) is produced in practically quantitiative yields from phenol and COCl2 with the addn of a catalytic amt of an N,N-dialkylated acid amide (II), by continuously removing the resulting HCl as such from the reaction zone. The process is pref carried out at atmospheric pressure at 40-180, esp.
 
Chemical Properties
COLOURLESS-TO-LIGHT-YELLOW LIQUID WITH PUNGENT ODOUR. Decomposes on heating and on contact with water and moisture. This produces toxic and corrosive fumes including hydrogen chloride and phenol. Reacts violently with acids, alcohols, amines, bases, oxidants and metals.
 
Definition
Phenyl chloroformate is an organic compound characterized by its structure containing a phenyl group and a chloroformate functional group, often used as a reagent in organic synthesis.