The reaction between phosgene and acetaldehyde

This reaction (Equation 4.18 AG gg = -127.4 kJ mol ) is highly favourable at temperatures at which it may be expected to occur in a practical sense (see also Section 10.3.3.1). The equilibrium yield is in excess of 99% at temperatures up to 750 C. 

The energetics of the reaction of acetaldehyde with SOCl, are not favourable at reasonable reaction temperatures. Unlike CO, (which is much more stable than 

is only marginally more stable than SOCl,. There is thus a much 

38 = -6.4 kJ mol ) is feasible only at low temperatures ( 100 C) within the limitations described, and in fact the preferred reaction product at low temperatures is bis(l-chloroethyl) ether, (CH3CHC1),0. 

There is thus considerable scope for further examination of the reactions of phosgene with a wide variety of alcohols, diols, aldehydes, hydroxy-aldehydes, epoxides, esters, acids and anhydrides to produce the desired range of chlorinated organic materials. The analogous reactions of COFj and of COCIF will be described in Chapters 13 and 16, respectively. 

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