ABSTRACT
The importance of ethyl chloride originally grew with the increasing use of the motor car, as it is the starting material for the production of tetraethyl lead, an anti-knock additive for gasoline. Most ethyl chloride is made by the former process which can be carried out in the vapour or liquid phase. Unreacted ethylene and hydrogen chloride are recycled. In the liquid-phase reaction, part of the remaining liquid is bled off to remove high-boiling byproducts, with additional catalyst added to make up the loss. The major application for ethyl chloride is in the manufacture of tetraethyl lead which is an anti-knock additive to gasoline. Ethyl chloride vapour is irritating to eyes, nose and throat, leading to dizziness, stomach cramps and narcosis. In contact with the skin the liquid will cause frostbite and irritation. Ethyl chloride is a dangerous fire and explosion hazard.
