1-Chloroethyl chloroformate


1-Chloroethyl chloroformate has a structure consisting of ethyl chloroformate with a chloro group as substituent on the ethyl group and has two enantiomeric forms. It can be used for N-dealkylation of tertiary amines.

Synthesis

1-Chloroethyl chloroformate can be manufactured by the reaction of acetaldehyde with phosgene in the presence of benzyltributylammonium chloride. or various other catatysts.

Uses

1-Chloroethyl chloroformate is a useful reagent, for example for the N-dealkylation of tertiary amines, especially their demethylation to produce drug metabolites for forensic investigations.