Diethyl phosphorochloridate
Diethyl chlorophosphate is an organophosphorus compound with the formula 2PCl. As an reagent in organic synthesis, it is use the convert alcohols to the corresponding diethylphosphate esters. It is a colorless liquid with a fruity odor. It is a corrosive, and as a cholinesterase inhibitor, highly toxic through dermal absorption. The molecule is tetrahedral.The compound is prepared by the chlorination of diethylphosphite with carbon tetrachloride.
The compound is electrophilic. Controlled hydrolysis gives tetraethyl pyrophosphate. Alcohols react to vie mixed phosphate esters:
The reagent is routinely employed in organic synthesis for phosphorylation of carboxylates, alcohols, and amines.
