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benzyl chloride
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benzyl chloride

chemical compound
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Quick Summary

Benzyl chloride is a colorless, pungent liquid with the chemical formula C6H5CH2Cl. It is typically produced by boiling toluene with chlorine.1

Benzyl chloride is classified as an organohalogen compound, meaning it contains a halogen atom (in this case, chlorine) bonded to carbon. Specifically, it is considered an alkyl halide because the carbon atom bearing the chlorine is singly bonded to its attached atoms, despite the presence of a benzene ring.2

This compound is primarily used in organic synthesis, including the creation of pharmaceuticals and dyes. Organohalogen compounds, in general, are important industrial chemicals used as solvents, pesticides, and intermediates for various products.12

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  1. benzyl chloride
  2. organohalogen compound

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