Chlorine hazards vapor form

The chlorination of methyl chloroformate in sunlight was first reported by Hentschel, but without a detailed description of either the procedure or the results. The first step of the present procedure for the preparation of trichloromethyl chloroformate utilizes an ultraviolet light source and affords a simple and reproducible way to obtain this reagent. Although trichloromethyl chloroformate may also be synthesized by photochemical chlorination of methyl formate,the volatility of methyl formate causes losses during the reaction and increases the hazard of forming an explosive mixture of its vapor and chlorine gas. The preparation of trichloromethyl chloroformate by chlorination of methyl chloroformate in the dark with diacetyl peroxide as initiator has been reported. However, the procedure consists of several steps, and the overall yield is rather low. 

EXPLOSION and FIRE CONCERNS moderate fire and explosion hazard in forms of dust and vapor when heated or on contact with acid, emits toxic fumes of SbH3 electrolysis of acid sulfides and antimony halides yields explosive antimony reacts violently with ammonium nitrate, halogens, bromine azide, chloric acid, chlorine oxide, chlorine trifluoride, nitric acid, potassium nitrate, potassium permanganate, potassium peroxide, sodium nitrate, and oxidants use appropriate extinguishing media for firefighting purposes. 

Ethylene chlorohydrin vapors form an explosive mixture with air the LEE and UEL values are 4.9% and 15.9% by volume of air, respectively. Among the hazardous reaction products are ethylene oxide, formed by internal displacement of the chlorine atom by the alkoxide ion, ethylene glycol formed by hydrolysis with sodium bicarbonate at 105°C (221°F), and ethylene cyanohydrin resulting from the reaction with alkali metal cyanides. 

Has produced liver and kidney injury in experimental animals. Mutation data reported. Sometimes thought to be nonflammable, however, it is a dangerous fire hazard when exposed to heat or flame. Reaction with solid caustic alkalies or their concentrated solutions produces chloracetylene gas, which ignites spontaneously in air. Reacts violently with N2O4, KOH, Na, NaOH. Moderate explosion hazard in the form of vapor when exposed to flame. Can react vigorously with oxidizing materials. To fight fire, use water spray, foam, CO2, dr) chemical. When heated to decomposition it emits toxic fumes of Cl . See also VINYLIDENE CHLORIDE and CHLORINATED HYDROCARBONS, ALIPHATIC. 

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