[Chemical Knowledge]：The nature, use, upstream and downstream raw materials, storage methods of chloromethane, and in what ways chloromethane is widely used

CHLOROMETHANE PROPERTIES

Methyl chloride (Chloromethane), the chemical formula CHYCl, is a colorless, flammable, and toxic gas with a slightly sweet smell. It is gaseous at room temperature, with a boiling point of -24.2°C and a melting point of -97.6°C. Methyl chloride is slightly denser than air, and its vapor density is about 1.8 (air = 1). The solubility in water is low, but it can be miscible with a variety of organic solvents. Methyl chloride can undergo free radical reactions under light, and it is easy to generate higher chlorinated products, such as dichloromethane and chloroform. It has strong electrophilicity and can react with a variety of nucleophiles to generate a series of organic derivatives.

Methyl chloride uses

Methyl chloride is widely used in industry. It is the main raw material for the production of silane coupling agents and siloxanes, and is used for the preparation of silicone rubber, silicone oil and other silicone products. Methyl chloride is an important intermediate in the pharmaceutical industry, involved in the synthesis of a range of drugs, such as local anesthetics and anti-infective drugs. Methyl chloride is also used in the manufacture of tetraethyl lead (a fuel additive), although its use has been greatly reduced due to environmental concerns. In the agricultural field, methyl chloride is used as a methylating agent for soil disinfection. Because of its volatility and toxicity, methyl chloride is also used as a refrigerant, propellant, and solvent.

Upstream raw materials

Methyl chloride is mainly produced using methanol and chlorine as raw materials. In industrial production, methyl chloride is produced from methanol and chlorine by gas-phase chlorination. This process is usually carried out at high temperatures and requires a catalyst to improve the reaction efficiency. The reaction equation is: CH, OH, HCl, CH, Cl, H, O. Most of the catalysts are alumina or zinc chloride. Methyl chloride can also be obtained by direct chlorination of methane, but this method is not commonly used because of the high number of by-products and low selectivity. In order to ensure the purity of raw materials and the stability of the reaction, the quality control of methanol and chlorine is very important.

Downstream Products

As a basic chemical raw material, methyl chloride is widely used in the production of many downstream products. One of the most important downstream products is silicone materials, including silicone rubber, silicone resin and silicone oil. These materials have excellent high temperature resistance, chemical corrosion resistance and insulation properties, and are widely used in construction, electronics, aviation and other fields. Methyl chloride is used in the synthesis of a variety of pharmaceutical intermediates, and then produce a variety of drugs. Methyl chloride is also used in the manufacture of pesticides, dyes and surfactants. In recent years, with the strengthening of environmental regulations, some traditional uses of methyl chloride, such as refrigerants and propellants, have gradually been replaced by substitutes, but its importance in chemical production cannot be ignored.

Methyl chloride storage method

Since methyl chloride is a flammable and toxic gas, its storage requires special attention to safety. Methyl chloride should be stored in a cool, ventilated and dry place, away from fire and heat sources. Storage containers shall be pressure-resistant steel cylinders, which shall be inspected regularly to ensure a good seal to prevent gas leakage. Methyl chloride storage areas should be equipped with appropriate leak detection equipment and emergency treatment facilities, such as fire extinguishers, gas alarms and protective masks. Operators in the workplace should undergo strict safety training and master the emergency treatment methods of methyl chloride. During storage and transportation, avoid violent vibration and collision to prevent damage to the container.

Market demand and development trend

The market demand for methyl chloride is greatly affected by the downstream industry, especially the demand growth of silicone products and pharmaceutical industry. With the rapid development of electronic products, building materials and medical equipment, the demand for silicone materials continues to increase, which in turn drives the market demand for methyl chloride. The promotion of green chemistry and environmental protection regulations has made the improvement of production processes and the development of new uses become the focus of the industry. In the future, with the improvement of technological progress and environmental protection requirements, the production and application of methyl chloride will be more efficient and safe, and the market prospect is promising.

Conclusion

As an important chemical raw material, methyl chloride plays a key role in many industries. Its physical and chemical properties determine its wide application in organic synthesis, pharmaceutical and silicone production. Despite the challenges of environmental protection and safety, the application of methyl chloride is still promising by improving production processes and strengthening safety management. In the future, with the progress of science and technology and the change of market demand, the position of methyl chloride in the chemical industry will be more important.