Ethyl Chloride (Chloroethane)

• Ethyl chloride chloroethane, is a colorless, flammable gas or liquid under pressure with a faintly sweet odor.
• Ethyl chloride chloroethane is an ethyl group (C₂H₅) bonded to a chlorine atom, giving it the molecular formula C₂H₅Cl.
• It belongs to the class of compounds known as alkyl halides.

Structure of Ethyl Chloride:

1. Chemical Formula: C₂H₅Cl
2. Molecular Structure: It consists of an ethyl group (CH₃-CH₂-) bonded to a chlorine atom.
3. Bonding: The carbon atoms form a single bond with each other, and the terminal carbon (CH₃) is bonded to three hydrogen atoms. The other carbon (CH₂) is bonded to two hydrogen atoms and one chlorine atom.
4. Geometry: Tetrahedral around each carbon atom.

Uses:

1. Anesthetic: Used as a local anesthetic and refrigerant in minor surgical procedures due to its cooling effect when it evaporates.
2. Solvent: Employed as a solvent in organic synthesis and chemical extractions.
3. Chemical Intermediate: Used in the production of other chemicals like ethyl cellulose and leaded gasoline (historically).

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