Isopropyl chloroformate

Isopropyl chloroformate (CAS 108-23-6), also known as isopropyl chlorocarbonate, is a reactive acylating agent used in organic synthesis to introduce the isopropoxycarbonyl protecting group onto amines, alcohols, and other nucleophiles. Its primary commercial role is as a building block and activating reagent in the manufacture of active pharmaceutical ingredients and specialty intermediates. In pharmaceutical synthesis, it activates carboxylic acids as mixed anhydrides.

This process enables peptide bond formation under mild conditions, a step critical in the production of peptide-based APIs and small-molecule drugs. Agrochemical manufacturers use it to introduce carbamate linkages in crop protection compounds. It also serves in the preparation of isopropyl carbonate esters used as intermediates in fine chemical and biotechnology research workflows. Contract synthesis labs and API producers rely on it for protecting group strategies.

These strategies are essential during the multi-step synthesis of complex molecules. Isopropyl chloroformate is supplied as a liquid, typically in stabilized form to control reactivity during storage and transport. It is available in technical and synthesis grades, with purity levels commonly ranging from 97% to 99%+ for pharmaceutical intermediate applications. Packaging is offered in small quantities for laboratory use.

Bulk drum supply is also available for industrial-scale synthesis. This chemical is a vital component for manufacturers requiring high-purity reagents for sensitive chemical reactions and large-scale production cycles.