Dichlorine Monoxide

Abstract

[7791-21-1] Cl2O (MW 86.91) InChI = 1S/Cl2O/c1-3-2 InChIKey = RCJVRSBWZCNNQT-UHFFFAOYSA-N (powerful chlorinating reagent; induces ‘ene-type’ and aromatic ring/side chain chlorination) Alternate Names: chlorine oxide; hypochlorite. Physical Data: mp −116 °C; fp −120.6 °C; bp 2.0 °C; pale orange–yellow gas. Solubility: sol carbon tetrachloride, water (contact with water forms hypochlorous acid), ether, benzene, CH2Cl2, ethyl acetate, dioxane. Form Supplied in: usually prepared as needed, as a solution in CCl4.2 Analysis of Reagent Purity: iodometric titration.2, 3 Preparative Methods: gaseous dichlorine monoxide is prepared by passing Chlorine through a column containing dry yellow Mercury(II) Oxide.2, 4 A carbon tetrachloride solution of dichlorine monoxide is obtained as follows:2, 5 into a solution of chlorine in carbon tetrachloride is added 3.36 g of dry yellow mercury(II) oxide per gram of chlorine (1.1 mol/mol of chlorine) at 25 °C. After being stirred for 45 min at this temperature, the solids are removed by filtration through a coarse sintered-glass funnel to give a solution of dichlorine monoxide in ca. 75% yield. Handling, Storage, and Precautions: explosions of the gas may result from a spark, by heating, or by contact with rubber, cork, or other forms of organic matter. A carbon tetrachloride solution is easier to obtain and safer to handle. It can be stored for a long time at −78 °C, but decomposes at a moderate rate at rt. Strong oxidant. Use in a fume hood.