ABSTRACT
Methyl chloride can be formed during a number of chemical reactions such as dimethyl sulphate and aluminium chloride, methane and phosgene, and methyl alcohol with ammonium chloride, but none of these is of any commercial importance. The methyl alcohol process can be carried out in the vapour or liquid-phase. High purity methyl alcohol and hydrochloric acid are vaporized by passage through a heat exchanger prior to mixing. Methane and chlorine will react to yield a range of chloromethanes; if methyl chloride is the desired product, then a large excess of methane must be used. The outlet which dominates methyl chloride consumption is in the manufacture of silicones. Methyl chloride is a very explosive and flammable gas. Inhalation of the gas causes dizziness and nausea, leading to damage to the central nervous system. Methyl chloride is normally shipped in pressure vessels, earthed to prevent static build-up. Automatic vapour warning equipment is required where methyl chloride is stored or handled.
