Introduction 

Allyl chloride or C₃H₅CL is an organic compound. It was first synthesized in 1857 by Auguste Cahours and August Hofmann. They produced this chemical by reacting allyl alcohol with phosphorus trichloride. Allyl chloride or C₃H₅CL is a colorless liquid that is insoluble in water, but it is soluble in common organic solvents.    

    

During the industrial process, Allyl chloride is used as an intermediate chemical to Epichlorohydrin, which is essential for producing epoxy resins. C₃H₅CL of Allyl chloride converted into Allylamine, Allyl alcohol, Allyl isothiocyanate (synthetic mustard oil), and 1-bromo-3-chloropropane. Additionally, allyl chloride is an essential alkylating agent for synthesizing pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and various organic compounds. It is vital in manufacturing glycerin, thermosetting resins, varnishes, plastics, and adhesives.  

 

Despite several industrial applications, Allyl chloride poses health hazards. Inhalation of its vapors can lead to respiratory irritation, coughing, and difficulty breathing. Long-term exposure can lead to neurological effects and liver and kidney damage. The EPA ((U.S. Environmental Protection Agency)) has classified Allyl chloride as a possible human carcinogen (Group C). 

 

Chemical Bond  

The chemical bond of Allyl Chloride is C₃H₅CL. It is an organochlorine compound containing three chloro atoms and one propene atom.  

 

Properties  

Allyl Chloride is a flammable and highly toxic chemical. It is under the Super Health Hazard Substance List. Its properties are classified into physical and chemical, which are discussed below.  

 

Physical Properties  

  • Allyl chloride is a clear brown, yellow, or purple liquid.  
  • It has an unpleasant, pungent odor.  
  • The flash point of Allyl Chloride is -20 °F.   
  • The boiling point of Allyl Chloride is 113 °F. It is less dense than water (7.8 lb./gal).  
  •  C₃H₅CL or Allyl chloride is insoluble in water but floats on water.  
  • The melting point of Allyl Chloride is -210°F  
  • At 68 °F vapor pressure of Allyl Chloride is 3440mmHg. At 86 °F, the vapor pressure is 440 mmHg.  
  • The molecular weight of Allyl Chloride is 76.52 g/mol.  
  • The specific gravity of Allyl Chloride is 0.94.  
  • The upper explosive limit (UEL) is 11.1%.  
  • The lower explosive limit (LEL) is 2.9%.  
  • The Ionization potential is 10.05 eV.  

 

Chemical Properties  

Allyl chloride is a volatile organic compound that works as an intermediate in synthesizing resin, plastics, and polymers. 

  

Industrial Usage  

Allyl Chloride is an organic compound. Despite its flammability and toxic nature, it is used in several industries. Look at the key industries that use this chemical: 

 

Chemical Manufacturing  

  • Epichlorohydrin Production:   

Allyl chloride is widely used as a precursor to produce Epichlorohydrin. It is also used in manufacturing epoxy resins, coatings, and adhesives.  

 

  • Glycerin Production:  

 Allyl chloride works as an intermediate in synthetic Glycerin production. This chemical is also used in pharmaceuticals, personal care, and food applications.  

 

  • Resins & Polymers:  

Ally chloride synthesizes allyl resins in this industry, including thermosetting plastics and specialty coatings.  

  

  • Rubber & Elastomers:   

This chemical is used to reform synthetic rubber for better durability and performance.  

  

Pharmaceuticals & Agrochemicals  

  • Pharmaceuticals:   

Allyl chloride is used in the synthesizing of specific drugs, muscle relaxants, and other compounds.   

  • Pesticides & Herbicides:   

Allyl chloride works as an intermediate in producing different types of agrochemicals.  

  

Water Treatment  

  • Ion-Exchange Resins:   

Allyl chloride is known for being used in manufacturing ion-exchange resins. It is also used in water purification and softening.   

 

Other Industrial Usages  

  • Flame Retardants  

Allyl chloride helps in producing flame-resistant materials for textiles and construction.  

  • Dyes & Perfumes:   

Allyl chloride works as an intermediate in the manufacturing of dyes and fragrances.  

 

Hazards  

Health Hazards  

Acute or Short-term Health Hazards  

  • After exposure to Allyl chloride, workers may experience skin irritation, heavy aching, and ‘bone pain’. 

 

  • This chemical can irritate the eyes, too. Sometimes, it causes burning and permanent damage to the eyes. 

 

  • Due to inhalation, workers may feel irritation in their noses and throats. It also causes shortness of breath and coughing. Sometimes, fluid builds up in the lungs (pulmonary edema).  

 

  • Exposure to this chemical can cause headaches, dizziness, and even unconsciousness.  

  

Chronic or Long-term Health hazards: 

  • Allyl chloride can cause liver and kidney damage in humans.   

 

  • C₃H₅CL or Allyl chloride also affects the central nervous system (CNS) and causes motor and sensory neurotoxic damage.  

 

  •  The Reference Concentration or RfC for Allyl chloride is 0.001 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m 3) based on rabbits’ functional and histological peripheral neurotoxicity. The RfC estimates regular inhalation exposure to the human population. But no cancer effect has been proven to date. 

   

Reproductive Effects:  

  • The reproductive effects of Allyl Chloride on the human body are unclear.  
  • In the animal studies, maternal weight gain decreased in the rabbits due to inhalation. In rats injected with this chemical, the maternal heart, liver, spleen, and kidney weight gain decreased.  

  

Environmental Hazards: 

Allyl chloride may be released into the air during manufacturing or industrial spills. It creates smog, too.  

 

Flammability:  

  • Allyl Chloride is highly flammable and creates a fire hazard.  
  • The upper exposure limit is 11.1%, and the lower exposure limit is 2.9%.  

Safety Measures :

 

When handling Allyl Chloride, Organizations must provide some hygiene safety measures given by OSHA.    

  • Properly labeling the Allyl Chloride containers.  
  • Employers should provide essential training to ensure worker safety, including instruction on using detector tubes, cleaning up spills, and implementing containment procedures. 
  • Arranging eye wash fountains and emergency showers.  
  • Providing OSHA-approved on-site screening devices.  
  • Proper gloves, face shields, masks, goggles, and PPE are crucial.  

 

When handling Allyl Chloride, Workers must follow some hygiene safety measures given by OSHA.    

  • Wearing gloves, masks, goggles (they should be indirect-vent, splash, and impact-proof goggles), face shields, and PPE are necessary.  
  • Removing contaminated uniforms, including clothes and shoes, at the end of the shift is mandatory. Workers should not bring those clothes or shoes to their homes.  
  • Washing hands before eating, applying cosmetics, smoking, and drinking is essential.  

  

Workers must follow more safety measures per OSHA when spills or emergencies happen.    

  • Workers or employees should vacate the spill or leak area for 50 meters.   
  • If Allyl Chloride is present in any confined place, workers should arrange ventilation quickly. They can use the on-site screening devices to confirm the existence of this chemical.  

 

Look at the First – aid Measures:

 

For Eyes  

  • It is mandatory to remove the contact lenses of the victims.  
  • Flushing the eyes of the victims with lukewarm water.  
  • Without a doctor’s advice, you should not apply ointment or oil.  
  • The victims should be taken to healthcare providers or hospitals for detailed check-ups.  

 

For Inhalation  

  • Victims and other workers should leave the contaminated area quickly.  
  • If the victims are not breathing, arranging respiratory support and oxygen is essential.  
  • After that, victims should be taken to the hospital for further medication.  

 

For Skin  

  • Removing the victims’ uniforms or clothes is essential.  
  • Wash the victim’s affected skin with soap and water and then transport them to a hospital for a detailed check-up. 
  • Please do not force the victims to vomit, as it could cause severe health complications.  
  • If victims become conscious or start convulsing, take them to the hospital immediately.     
  • If victims are conscious, give them one cup of water or milk. Then, take them to the hospital immediately.  

 

Conclusion:

The above discussion highlighted that Allyl Chloride has valuable applications in various industrial sectors. However, due to its volatility and potentially hazardous nature, industries should follow proper safety measures to avail benefits at their highest level while ensuring the safety of humans, animals, and the environment.