Chloroacetone
Agent Name
Chloroacetone
CAS Number
78-95-5
Formula
C3-H5-Cl-O
Major Category
Other Classes
Synonyms
1-Chloro-2-ketopropane; 1-Chloro-2-oxopropane; 1-Chloro-2-propanone; 1-Chloroacetone; 2-Propanone, 1-chloro-; 3-Chloro-2-propanone; Acetone, chloro-; Acetonyl chloride; Chloracetone [French]; Chloro-2-propanone; Chloroacetone; Chloromethyl methyl ketone; Chloropropanone; Monochloracetone; Monochloroacetone; Monochloropropanone; [ChemIDplus] UN1695
Category
Halogenated Ketones
Description
Colorless to amber liquid with a pungent odor; [ACGIH]
Sources/Uses
Used as a catalyst for polymerization and an intermediate for organic synthesis; Used in 1914 as a war gas; [ACGIH]
Comments
A lacrimator, vesicant, and irritant of the respiratory tract; Causes lacrimation at 5 ppm and with continued exposure irritation of the skin and upper respiratory tract, but not pulmonary edema at low, irritating concentrations; [ACGIH] Causes lachrymation and severe irritation to the respiratory tract; [ICSC]
Biomedical References
Exposure Assessment
Skin Designation (ACGIH)
Yes
TIH
Yes
Ceiling (ACGIH)
1 ppm
Vapor Pressure
12 mm Hg
Odor Threshold Low
0.027 ppm
Odor Threshold High
0.39 ppm
Lethal Concentration
LC50 (rat) = 262 ppm/1H
Explanatory Notes
Odor threshold from CHEMINFO; Boiling point = 248 degrees F (120 degrees C); Flash point = 82 degrees F; [CAMEO] VP from ChemIDplus;
Adverse Effects
Lachrymator
Yes
Toxic Pneumonitis
Yes
Dermatotoxin
Skin burns
Diseases, Processes, and Activities Linked to This Agent
Diseases
Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent: