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HuagongsheHuagongshe Chemistry Print Report · For research reference only
HCID 7998Generated: October 23, 2026

Propyl chloroformate

NPCF · propyl carbonochloridate · N-PROPYL CHLOROFORMATE · PROPYL CHLOROCARBONATE · chloro-formicacipropylester · Propyl chloroforMat · PROPYL CHLOROFORMATE · Proply chloroformate

https://huagongshe.com/en/chemical/7998

Propyl chloroformate molecular structure

Identifiers & Physical Properties

CAS No.109-61-5
Molecular formulaC4H7ClO2
Average molar mass122.55 g/mol
Monoisotopic mass122.01345714 g/mol
SMILESCCCOC(=O)Cl
InChIKeyQQKDTTWZXHEGAQ-UHFFFAOYSA-N
PubChem CID7998
EC No.203-687-7
DTXSIDDTXSID3042342

Chemical & Physical Properties

XLogP2.3
Topological polar surface area26.3
Hydrogen bond donors0
Hydrogen bond acceptors2
Rotatable bonds3
Heavy atoms7
Formal charge0
Complexity62.7
Chemical classesToxic Gases & Vapors -> Acid HalidesFlammable agents - 3rd degree
SpringerMaterials PropertiesDielectric constant
LogP (partition coefficient)1.12
Density1.09 at 68 °F (EPA, 1998) - Denser than waterwill sink1.091 AT 20 °C/4 °C1.09 g/cm³Relative density of the vapour/air-mixture at 20 °C (air = 1): 1.061.09 @25 °C1.09 g/mL at 25 °C(lit.)
Viscosity0.80 cP @ 20 °C
Color/FormCOLORLESS LIQUID
SolubilityMISCIBLE WITH BENZENE, CHLOROFORM, ETHERInsoluble in waterSolubility in water: reactionbenzene: miscible(lit.)
Flash point-58 °F (EPA, 1998)-50 °C (-58 °F)26 °C c.c.84 °F
Boiling point237 to 241 °F at 760 mmHg (EPA, 1998)112.4 °C115 °C105-106 °C(lit.)
Vapor density4.2 (EPA, 1998) - Heavier than airwill sink (Relative to Air)4.2 (AIR= 1)Relative vapor density (air = 1): 4.23
Vapor pressure20.0 [mmHg]20 mm Hg @ 25.3 °CVapor pressure, kPa at 20 °C: 2.60.87 psi ( 20 °C)
Refractive indexINDEX OF REFRACTION: 1.4045 @ 20 °Cn20/D 1.404(lit.)
Storage conditions2-8°C
Physical stateOil
ColorColourless
Specific gravity1.09
Merck13,7940
Dielectric constant11.2(20℃)
StabilityVolatile
InChIKeyQQKDTTWZXHEGAQ-UHFFFAOYSA-N
LogP (partition coefficient)1.385 (est)
CAS DataBase Reference109-61-5(CAS DataBase Reference)
EWG's Food Scores1
FDA UNIIA5Y2T003JU
NIST Chemistry Referencen-Propylchloroformate(109-61-5)
EPA Substance Registry SystemPropyl chloroformate (109-61-5)
GHS pictogramGHS02,GHS05,GHS06,GHS08
Signal wordDanger
GHS hazard statementsH330-H302-H314-H371-H401-H225
GHS precautionary statementsP501-P273-P270-P240-P260-P210-P233-P243-P241-P242-P271-P264-P280-P284-P370+P378-P308+P311-P303+P361+P353-P301+P330+P331-P363-P301+P312+P330-P304+P340+P310-P305+P351+P338+P310-P403+P233-P403+P235-P405
Hazard symbolsT,F
Risk statements (R)10-23-34-22-11
Safety statements (S)26-36-45-16
UN transport numberUN 2740
Water hazard class (WGK)1
RTECS numberLQ6830000
TSCA inventory statusTSCA listed
Hazard class6.1
Packing groupI
Customs code29151300
Hazardous substances data109-61-5(Hazardous Substances Data)
Toxicitymouse,LC50,inhalation,319ppm/1H (319ppm),"Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology," 3rd ed., Grayson, M., and D. Eckroth, eds. New York, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 1978Vol. 4, Pg. 758, 1978.
REACH registrationsActive

Safety & Regulations

GHS classificationDangerH225: Highly Flammable liquid and vapor [Danger Flammable liquids]P210, P233, P240, P241, P242, P243, P260, P261, P264, P271, P280, P301+P330+P331, P302+P361+P354, P303+P361+P353, P304+P340, P305+P354+P338, P316, P321, P363, P370+P378, P403+P233, P403+P235, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)H225 (100%): Highly Flammable liquid and vapor [Danger Flammable liquids]P210, P233, P240, P241, P242, P243, P260, P261, P264, P264+P265, P270, P271, P280, P284, P301+P317, P301+P330+P331, P302+P361+P354, P303+P361+P353, P304+P340, P305+P354+P338, P316, P317, P320, P321, P330, P363, P370+P378, P403+P233, P403+P235, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)
Hazards IdentificationToxic/poison by inhalation (TIH/PIH)
Regulatory informationStatus: Active Update: 05-10-2022 https://echa.europa.eu/registration-dossier/-/registered-dossier/1891Carbonochloridic acid, propyl ester: Does not have an individual approval but may be used as a component in a product covered by a group standard. It is not approved for use as a chemical in its own right.The New Jersey Worker and Community Right to Know Act requires public and private employers to provide information about hazardous substances at their workplaces. (N.J.S.A. 34:5A-1 et. seq.)
DOT labelPoison Inhalation Hazard Flammable Liquid Corrosive
Fire hazardsWhen heated to decomposition, it emits toxic fumes of chlorine containing compounds. Propyl chloroformate is a flammable/combustible materialit may be ignited by heat, sparks or flames. Vapors may travel to a source of ignition and flash back. Container may explode in heat or fire. Vapor explosion and poison hazard indoors, outdoors or in sewers. Runoff to sewer may create fire or explosion hazard. Runoff from fire control or dilution water may cause pollution. Gradually decomposed by water and alcohol. Unstable, decomposes spontaneously to form hydrochloric acid and other products. Avoid moist air. (EPA, 1998)· HIGHLY FLAMMABLE: Will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames.Flammable. Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire. Above 26 °C explosive vapour/air mixtures may be formed.
Health hazardsStrongly irritating to eyes and mucous membranes. Poisonousmay be fatal if inhaled, swallowed or absorbed through skin. (EPA, 1998)· TOXIC and/or CORROSIVEinhalation, ingestion or contact (skin, eyes) with vapors, dusts or substance may cause severe injury, burns or death.
Hazards summaryA corrosive substance that can cause injury to the skin, eyes, and respiratory tractInhalation can cause pulmonary edema[ICSC] A strong eye and mucous membrane irritant[HSDB] See CHLOROFORMATES.
DOT ID and guide2740 155
Reactive groupAcyl Halides, Sulfonyl Halides, and Chloroformates
EC classificationSymbol: TR: 10-23-34S: (1/2)-26-36-45
UN classificationUN Hazard Class: 6.1UN Subsidiary Risks: 3 and 8UN Pack Group: I
Reactivity AlertsHighly Flammable
Reactivity ProfileUnstable, decomposes spontaneously to form hydrochloric acid and other products. Avoid moist air. [EPA, 1998]. May react vigorously or explosively if mixed with diisopropyl ether or other ethers in the presence of trace amounts of metal salts [J. Haz. Mat., 1981, 4, 291].
Fire fightingKeep unnecessary people awayisolate hazard area and deny entry. Stay upwindkeep out of low areas. Wear positive pressure breathing apparatus and special protective clothing. Isolate for 1/2 mile in all directions if tank car or truck is involved in fire.NO water. Use dry powder, carbon dioxide, alcohol-resistant foam. In case of fire: keep drums, etc., cool by spraying with water. NO direct contact with water.
First aid measuresFresh air, rest. Half-upright position. Artificial respiration may be needed. Refer for medical attention.Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower. Refer for medical attention .First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then refer for medical attention.Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting. Give one or two glasses of water to drink. Refer for medical attention .
Accidental release measures· CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper not available or no answer, refer to appropriate telephone number listed on the inside back cover.· ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from immediate area.
First aidWarning: Propyl chloroformate is strongly irritating to eyes and mucous membranes. Caution is advised.General First Aid:
Safe storageFireproof. Provision to contain effluent from fire extinguishing. Separated from acids, alcohols, amines, bases, oxidants and food and feedstuffs. Dry. Well closed. Store in an area without drain or sewer access.
Exposure control and personal protection· Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).TIH (Toxic Inhalation Hazard) - Term used to describe gases and volatile liquids that are toxic when inhaled. Some are TIH materials themselves, e.g., chlorine, and some release TIH gases when spilled in water, e.g., chlorosilanes. [ERG 2016].
Fire fighting proceduresIf material on fire or involved in fire: Do not extinguish fire unless flow can be stopped. Use water in flooding quantities as fog. Solid streams of water may be ineffective. Apply water from as far a distance as possible. Use "alcohol" foam, carbon dioxide or dry chemical. Keep run-off water out of sewers and water sources.
Storage conditionsOWING TO THE FACT THAT THESE COMPOUNDS DECOMP EASILY, STORAGE CONTAINERS SHOULD BE VENTED. /CHLOROFORMATES/
Nonfire spill responseExcerpt from ERG Guide 155 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Flammable / Water-Sensitive)]:
Spillage disposalEvacuate danger area! Consult an expert! Personal protection: chemical protection suit including self-contained breathing apparatus. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment. Collect leaking and spilled liquid in sealable dry plastic containers as far as possible. Absorb remaining liquid in dry sand or inert absorbent. Then store and dispose of according to local regulations.
Preventive MeasuresSRP: The scientific literature for the use of contact lenses in industry is conflicting. The benefit or detrimental effects of wearing contact lenses depend not only upon the substance, but also on factors including the form of the substance, characteristics and duration of the exposure, the uses of other eye protection equipment, and the hygiene of the lenses. However, there may be individual substances whose irritating or corrosive properties are such that the wearing of contact lenses would be harmful to the eye. In those specific cases, contact lenses should not be worn. In any event, the usual eye protection equipment should be worn even when contact lenses are in place.
Isolation and EvacuationExcerpt from ERG Guide 155 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Flammable / Water-Sensitive)]:Immediate precautionary measureSmall spill:
Adverse effectsDermatotoxin - Skin burns.
Exposure routesThe substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its vapour and by ingestion.
Signs and SymptomsSore throat. Burning sensation. Cough. Laboured breathing. Shortness of breath. Symptoms may be delayed.Redness. Pain. Skin burns.Redness. Pain. Severe deep burns.Abdominal pain. Burning sensation. Shock or collapse.
ICSC Environmental DataThe substance is toxic to aquatic organisms.
Human Toxicity ExcerptsTHE VAPORS ARE STRONGLY IRRITATING TO THE EYES & MUCOUS MEMBRANES.
Toxicity DataLC50 (mice) = 319 ppm/1h
CERCLA reportable quantitiesReleases of CERCLA hazardous substances are subject to the release reporting requirement of CERCLA section 103, codified at 40 CFR part 302, in addition to the requirements of 40 CFR part 355. Propyl chloroformate is an extremely hazardous substance (EHS) subject to reporting requirements when stored in amounts in excess of its threshold planning quantity (TPQ) of 500 lbs.
DHS Chemicals of Interest (COI)Propyl chloroformate1.0010,000Flammable chemical that can be released at a facility.
Water hazard class (WGK)1
TSCA inventory statusTSCA listed
RTECS numberLQ6830000
UN transport numberUN 2740
Customs code29151300
Toxicitymouse,LC50,inhalation,319ppm/1H (319ppm),"Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology," 3rd ed., Grayson, M., and D. Eckroth, eds. New York, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 1978Vol. 4, Pg. 758, 1978.
Risk statements (R)10-23-34-22-11
Signal wordDanger
GHS pictogramGHS02,GHS05,GHS06,GHS08
Hazard symbolsT,F
Safety statements (S)26-36-45-16
Hazard class6.1
Packing groupI
GHS hazard statementsH330-H302-H314-H371-H401-H225
REACH registrationsActive
GHS precautionary statementsP501-P273-P270-P240-P260-P210-P233-P243-P241-P242-P271-P264-P280-P284-P370+P378-P308+P311-P303+P361+P353-P301+P330+P331-P363-P301+P312+P330-P304+P340+P310-P305+P351+P338+P310-P403+P233-P403+P235-P405
Hazardous substances data109-61-5(Hazardous Substances Data)

Applications & Uses

Uses

Propyl Chloroformate is used as a dramatizing agent for the determination of morphine, codeine and 6-acetyl morphine in urine and blood using direct aqueous derivatization.

General Description

N-propyl chloroformate appears as a colorless liquid. May be decomposed by water. Severely irritates skin and eyes. Very toxic by ingestion, inhalation or skin absorption. Denser than water and vapors heavier than air. Flash point 50°F. Used to make other chemicals.

Preparation & Synthesis

Preparation

Synthesis of Propyl chloroformate: Add n-propanol to the phosgene-passing kettle, start stirring, and then pass phosgene through the phosgene flowmeter. The phosgene-passing temperature is about 30 °C, and continue to pass the phosgene for several hours. When the end point is approached, sample and analyze, and stop when the standard is reached. Pass phosgene, cool, and then pass nitrogen to drive away phosgene and hydrogen chloride, destroy phosgene, and sample and analyze it as a product. Reaction equation: CH3CH2CH2OH+COCl2→ClCOOCH2CH2CH3