Acetyl chloride

Acetyl chloride (CAS 75-36-5), also known as acetic chloride, is a highly reactive acylating agent used across pharmaceutical synthesis and specialty chemical manufacturing. It introduces acetyl groups into organic molecules, enabling the construction of active pharmaceutical ingredients and chemical intermediates at scale. In pharmaceutical manufacturing, acetyl chloride acetylates amines, alcohols, and phenols to produce APIs and protected intermediates where precise reaction control is critical. Cosmetic ingredient synthesis relies on it to produce acetylated derivatives.

Fatty alcohols and other actives are modified to improve stability or skin-feel performance in finished formulations. It also functions as a catalyst activator and reagent in the preparation of anhydrides and other acylating agents used upstream in fine chemical production. Contract manufacturers and formulators processing complex multi-step syntheses source it as a key reagent where high purity and consistent reactivity directly affect yield. This ensures that the final chemical products meet rigorous industrial requirements.

Acetyl chloride is supplied as a colorless fuming liquid, typically in drums or ISO tanks suited for moisture-sensitive materials. Technical and high-purity reagent grades are the standard commercial offerings for industrial applications. Purity specifications are commonly at 98% and above to ensure optimal performance in sensitive reactions. Packaging configurations are selected to maintain anhydrous conditions throughout storage and transport to prevent degradation.