[Chemical Knowledge]：Properties, uses, upstream and downstream raw materials, storage methods, and the role of allyl chloride

Properties of allyl chloride

Allyl chloride, chemical formula C3H5Cl, is a colorless liquid with a pungent odor. Its molecular structure contains an olefinic bond and a chlorine atom, making it reactive. Chloropropene has a boiling point of about 46.6°C, a density of 0.93g/cm³, and a flash point of -18°C. It is soluble in organic solvents such as ethanol and ether, but is almost insoluble in water. Due to the presence of its chlorine atom, chloropropene has high toxicity and flammability, so special attention should be paid to safety protection during handling and use.

Use of allyl chloride

Chloropropene is widely used in industry, mainly for the synthesis of various chemical products. Its main use is in the production of glycerol (glycerol), which is achieved through the epichlorohydrin intermediate. Glycerin is widely used in food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic and industrial fields. Chloropropene is also used in the production of epoxy resins, which have important applications in coatings, adhesives and composites. Allyl chloride can be used as a pesticide intermediate for the synthesis of pesticide products such as herbicides and insecticides.

Chloropropene upstream and downstream raw materials

The production of allyl chloride is mainly obtained by the reaction of propylene and chlorine. Propylene is a by-product of petroleum cracking or catalytic cracking, and its source is mainly the petrochemical industry. Chlorine is a by-product of the electrolysis of brine (chlor-alkali industry). The process of producing allyl chloride is usually carried out by heating a mixture of propylene and chlorine gas and carrying out an addition reaction under the action of a catalyst. The chloropropene generated by the reaction can be further processed to produce epichlorohydrin, which is then hydrolyzed and purified to obtain glycerol. Therefore, propylene and chlorine are the main upstream raw materials for chloropropene production, while glycerin and epoxy resin are the main downstream products.

Chloropropene production process

The industrial production of allyl chloride generally adopts the direct chlorination method, that is, under a certain temperature and pressure, propylene and chlorine are reacted in the presence of a catalyst to generate allyl chloride. This process has a high reaction efficiency, but at the same time, the reaction conditions need to be strictly controlled to avoid the occurrence of side reactions. The chloropropene generated by the reaction can be condensed, separated and purified to obtain a product with high purity. In order to improve production efficiency and product purity, modern processes often use advanced catalysts and reactor designs, supplemented by automated control systems to achieve precise control of the reaction process.

Chloropropene storage method

Due to the flammable, explosive and toxic properties of chloropropene, its storage requires special attention. Chloropropene should be stored in a cool, dry, well-ventilated dedicated storage tank with good sealing to prevent leakage. Fire prevention and explosion-proof facilities shall be provided around the storage tank, and leakage emergency treatment equipment such as fire extinguisher and absorbent shall be provided in the storage tank area. When storing allyl chloride, it should also avoid mixing with oxidants, acids and alkalis to prevent chemical reactions. The storage area should have a strict management system, and regularly check the storage tank and its ancillary facilities to ensure that they are in good condition and prevent safety accidents.

Safety protection of allyl chloride

In the production, storage and use of chloropropene, safety measures are very important. Operators should wear appropriate protective clothing, gloves and goggles to prevent skin contact and eye irritation. Since the vapors of allyl chloride have a strong irritation to the respiratory system, a good ventilation system should be installed in the operating site, and respiratory protective equipment should be equipped if necessary. In production and storage sites, chloropropene leak detection and alarm devices should be set to detect and deal with leaks in time. For chloropropene leakage, emergency measures such as isolation, ventilation and absorption should be taken quickly, and attention should be paid to fire prevention and explosion prevention during the treatment process to ensure the safety of personnel and the environment.

Environmental impact

The production and use of allyl chloride may have a certain impact on the environment. Its volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions may cause air pollution, affecting the health of surrounding residents. When chloropropene leaks into water bodies, it may be toxic to aquatic life. Therefore, chloropropene production enterprises need to take effective environmental protection measures to reduce emissions and leakage. For example, the installation of waste gas treatment equipment in the production process, the use of efficient pollution control technology, reduce the emission of harmful substances. Enterprises should also establish a sound environmental management system and conduct regular environmental monitoring to ensure that emissions meet national environmental protection standards.

Allyl Chloride Market Prospects

With the continuous development of the chemical industry, the market demand for allyl chloride has maintained steady growth. Especially driven by the increasing demand for downstream products such as glycerin and epoxy resin, the market prospect of allyl chloride is broad. In the future, with the improvement of environmental protection requirements and the progress of production technology, the production of chloropropene will develop in a more environmentally friendly and efficient direction. Enterprises should pay attention to technological innovation and environmental protection investment in the production process to enhance product competitiveness and market share. With the rise of emerging markets and the expansion of applications, the market demand for chloropropene is expected to further expand.

Summary

As an important chemical intermediate, allyl chloride has broad application prospects. In the process of production and use, enterprises should strictly control the reaction conditions, ensure product quality, and take effective safety protection and environmental protection measures. Through continuous technological innovation and management optimization, the production of chloropropene will develop in a more efficient and environmentally friendly direction to meet market demand and achieve sustainable development goals.