Thionyl Chloride
Thionyl Chloride is a highly reactive chlorinating and activation agent widely used in pharmaceutical, agrochemical, and specialty chemical synthesis.
CAS # 7719-09-7
Thionyl Chloride is a highly reactive inorganic compound widely used as a chlorinating agent in pharmaceutical, agrochemical, and specialty chemical manufacturing. It is valued for its efficiency, clean reaction profiles, and ability to drive high-yield transformations. Thionyl Chloride enables the conversion of alcohols, acids, and amides into reactive intermediates critical for advanced synthesis. Its predictable performance and industrial scalability make it an essential reagent for manufacturers.
General Properties
Molecular Formula: SOCl₂
Appearance: Clear to pale yellow liquid
Boiling Point: ~74–76 °C
Solubility: Reacts with water
Applications
Pharmaceutical & Fine Chemical Synthesis
Widely used to activate carboxylic acids, alcohols, and amides, enabling efficient production of APIs, intermediates, and specialty compounds.
Agrochemical Manufacturing
Supports synthesis of herbicide, insecticide, and fungicide intermediates requiring controlled chlorination or activation steps.
Specialty Chemical Intermediates
Used in producing acyl chlorides, sulfonyl chlorides, and other high-value intermediates for dyes, pigments, and performance additives.
Battery & Electronics Materials
Applied in select lithium battery and electronic chemical processes where precise reagent control is critical.
Research & Custom Synthesis
Preferred in laboratory and pilot-scale chemistry for its predictable reactivity and clean by-product profile.
Advantages
High Reactivity & Process Efficiency: Drives rapid, high-conversion reactions, reducing processing time and improving yields.
Clean Reaction Pathways: By-products are typically gaseous, simplifying purification and downstream processing.
Versatile Across Synthesis Routes: Compatible with a wide range of organic substrates, enabling flexible formulation and process design.
Supports Advanced Chemical Innovation: Enables production of high-value pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and specialty materials.
Safety & Handling
Thionyl Chloride is a highly hazardous and corrosive chemical and must be handled with strict industrial controls.
Reacts violently with water, releasing toxic and corrosive gases
Causes severe burns to skin and eyes
Harmful if inhaled or absorbed through skin