ABSTRACT
Benzyl chloride was initially obtained by the reaction of hydrochloric acid with benzyl alcohol, but it is manufactured by the chlorination of toluene in the liquid phase. By adjusting the toluene-chlorine ratio, the quantity of benzyl chloride can be maximized. Benzyl chloride is produced by passing dry chlorine gas into boiling toluene at 100–110°C until the density increases to 1.283, when the volume of by-products are at a minimum. By-product hydrogen chloride is absorbed in water, and benzyl chloride is recovered by distillation. The importance of benzyl chloride is due to its role as a chemical intermediate. Benzyl chloride is a powerful lachrymator. Care must be exercized when handling benzyl chloride as it is a suspected carcinogen. Benzyl chloride must be stabilized except where nickel containers are employed. The transportation of benzyl chloride is governed by many regulations owing to its toxicity, and local advice should be sought.
