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Benzoyl chloride

Athanor · official

C7H5ClO · 140.56 g/mol

Also called BzCl

Open in Athanor
The structure of Benzoyl chloride
Drawn from its SMILES with RDKit232 ̵W̵
CorrosiveHarmful or irritantDangerHarmful if swallowed · Harmful in contact with skin · Causes severe skin burns and eye damage · May cause an allergic skin reaction · Harmful if inhaled

Names and identifiers

IUPAC name
benzoyl chloride
Synonyms
BzCl, Benzenecarbonyl chloride, Benzoic acid, chloride
+ 35 more

alpha-Chlorobenzaldehyde, benzoic acid chloride, DTXSID9026631, Benzaldehyde, alpha-chloro-, VTY8706W36, DTXCID106631, CHEBI:82275, RefChem:5591, 202-710-8, Benzoylchloride, a-Chlorobenzaldehyde, BenzoylChloride-13C7, Benzoyl Chloride-13C6, MFCD00000653, Benzaldehyde, .alpha.-chloro-, benzoyl-carbonyl-13c chloride, benzoylchlorid, CCRIS 802, Benzoyl chloride, ReagentPlus(R), >=99%, HSDB 383, EINECS 202-710-8, UN1736, BRN 0471389, benzoyl chlorid, benzoyl choride, bezoyl chloride, UNII-VTY8706W36, benzoic chloride, benzoyl chloride-, PhCOCl, Bz-Cl, Benzoyl chloride [UN1736] [Corrosive], .alpha.-Chlorobenzaldehyde, Benzaldehyde, |A-chloro-, EC 202-710-8

Molecular formula
C7H5ClO
Empirical formula
C7H5ClO
Molecular weight
140.56 g/mol
Exact mass
140.00289
CAS number
98-88-4
PubChem CID
7412
Canonical SMILES
C1=CC=C(C=C1)C(=O)Cl
Isomeric SMILES
C1=CC=C(C=C1)C(=O)Cl
InChI
InChI=1S/C7H5ClO/c8-7(9)6-4-2-1-3-5-6/h1-5H
InChIKey
PASDCCFISLVPSO-UHFFFAOYSA-N
Molfile

Names, InChI and the identifiers from PubChem, retrieved 2026-10-14.

Physical properties

TemperaturePressureDensity
Appearance
Colorless, fuming liquid[5]
7 values

From Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB), the most authoritative source here.

ValueAs writtenSource
–Benzoyl chloride appears as a colorless fuming liquid with a pungent odor. Flash point 162 °F. Lachrymator, irritating to skin and eyes. Corrosive to metals and tissue. Density 10.2 lb / gal. Used in medicine and in the manufacture of other chemicals.[1] CAMEO Chemicals
–CBI; Liquid[2] EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)
–FUMING COLOURLESS LIQUID WITH PUNGENT ODOUR.[3] ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
–A colorless fuming liquid with a pungent odor.[4] Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
–Transparent, colorless liquid[5] Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)cites Larranaga, M.D., Lewis, R.J. Sr., Lewis, R.A.; Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary 16th Edition. John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Hoboken, NJ 2016., p. 157
–shownColorless, fuming liquid[5] Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)cites NOAA; CAMEO Chemicals. Database of Hazardous Materials. Benzoyl chloride (98-88-4). Natl Ocean Atmos Admin, Off Resp Rest; NOAA Ocean Serv. Available from, as of Oct 20, 2017: https://cameochemicals.noaa.gov/
–Colorless to slightly yellow liquid[5] Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)cites NIOSH. NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards. Department of Health & Human Services, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention. National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health. DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2010-168 (2010). Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npg
Odor
Fuming pungent[5]
2 values

From Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB), the most authoritative source here.

ValueAs writtenSource
–shownFuming pungent[5] Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)cites Lewis, R.J. Sr. (ed) Sax's Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials. 12th Edition. Wiley-Interscience, Wiley & Sons, Inc. Hoboken, NJ. 2012., p. V2: 492
–Pungent, aromatic[5] Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)cites NIOSH. NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards. Department of Health & Human Services, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention. National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health. DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2010-168 (2010). Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npg
Melting point
-1.0 °C (30.2 °F, NTP 1992)[1]
4 values

4 of 4 sources agree on it (most common value).

ValueAs writtenSource
−1.0 °Cshown30.2 °F (NTP, 1992)[1] CAMEO Chemicalscites National Toxicology Program, Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health (NTP). 1992. National Toxicology Program Chemical Repository Database. Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.
−1 °C-1 °C[3] ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
−1.0 °C30.2 °F[4] Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
−0.5 °C-0.5 °C[6] PAC Chemical Database, U.S. Department of Energy
Boiling point
197.2 °C[3]
4 values

4 of 4 sources agree on it (most common value).

ValueAs writtenSource
197 °C387 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992)[1] CAMEO Chemicalscites National Toxicology Program, Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health (NTP). 1992. National Toxicology Program Chemical Repository Database. Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.
197.2 °Cshown197.2 °C[3] ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
197 °C387 °F[4] Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
197 °C197 °C @760 [mm Hg][6] PAC Chemical Database, U.S. Department of Energy
Density
1.211 at 25 °C (77 °F) (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water[1]
4 values

4 of 4 sources agree on it (most common value).

ValueAs writtenSource
–shown1.211 at 77 °F (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water[1] CAMEO Chemicalscites U.S. Coast Guard. 1999. Chemical Hazard Response Information System (CHRIS) - Hazardous Chemical Data. Commandant Instruction 16465.12C. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office.
–Relative density (water = 1): 1.21[3] ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
–1.211[4] Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
–1.22 @ 15°C[6] PAC Chemical Database, U.S. Department of Energy
Solubility in water
Solubility in water: reaction[3]
3 values

From ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs), the most authoritative source here.

ValueAs writtenSource
–Decomposes (NTP, 1992)[1] CAMEO Chemicalscites National Toxicology Program, Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health (NTP). 1992. National Toxicology Program Chemical Repository Database. Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.
–Soluble in ether and carbon disulfide[5] Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)cites Larranaga, M.D., Lewis, R.J. Sr., Lewis, R.A.; Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary 16th Edition. John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Hoboken, NJ 2016., p. 157
–shownSolubility in water: reaction[3] ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
Vapor pressure
VP: 1 mmHg at 32.1 °C[5]
6 values

3 of 4 sources agree on it (most common value).

ValueAs writtenSource
0.4 mmHg0.4 mmHg at 68 °F[1] CAMEO Chemicalscites National Toxicology Program, Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health (NTP). 1992. National Toxicology Program Chemical Repository Database. Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.
1 mmHg1 mmHg at 89.8 °F (NTP, 1992)[1] CAMEO Chemicalscites National Toxicology Program, Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health (NTP). 1992. National Toxicology Program Chemical Repository Database. Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.
1 mmHgshownVP: 1 mm Hg at 32.1 °C[5] Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)cites Lewis, R.J. Sr. (ed) Sax's Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials. 12th Edition. Wiley-Interscience, Wiley & Sons, Inc. Hoboken, NJ. 2012., p. V2: 492
0.7 mmHg0.700 mm Hg at 25 °C, extrapolated[5] Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)cites Perry RH, Green D; Perry's Chemical Engineer's Handbook. Physical and Chemical Data. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill 7th ed p. 2-61 (1997)
0.38 mmHgVapor pressure, Pa at 20 °C: 50[3] ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
1 mmHg1 [mm Hg] @32.1 °C[6] PAC Chemical Database, U.S. Department of Energy

1 more value was reported but failed the checks (unreadable or out of range), so it is not shown.

Flash point
72 °C (162 °F)(open cup)[5]
6 values

4 of 4 sources agree on it (most common value).

ValueAs writtenSource
72 °C162 °F (NTP, 1992)[1] CAMEO Chemicalscites National Toxicology Program, Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health (NTP). 1992. National Toxicology Program Chemical Repository Database. Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.
72 °C72 °C (162 °F) - closed cup[5] Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)cites Sigma-Aldrich; Safety Data Sheet for Benzoyl chloride. Product Number: 259950, Version 4.10 (Revision Date 06/02/2016). Available from, as of October 5, 2017: https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/safety-center.html
72 °Cshown162 °F (72 °C)(open cup)[5] Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)cites National Fire Protection Association; Fire Protection Guide to Hazardous Materials. 14TH Edition, Quincy, MA 2010, p. 325-18
68 °C68 °C (closed cup)[5] Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)cites EPA/Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics; High Production Volume (HPV) Challenge Program's Robust Summaries and Test Plans. Benzoyl Chloride.
72 °C72 °C c.c.[3] ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
72 °C162 °F[4] Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
Autoignition temperature
197.2 °C[3]

Each value as its source reports it, with the source's number after it (listed under References). Where several sources report a property, the row shows the value most of them agree on, the rule the app uses; open the values to see every one.

Calculated

Heavy atoms
9
Rings
1
Aromatic rings
1
Fraction sp³ carbons (Fsp3)
0
H-bond donors
0
H-bond acceptors
1
Rotatable bonds
1
TPSA (Ų)
17.1
Formal charge
0
XLogP3
2.9 PubChem
Complexity
105 PubChem
Stereocenters
None
Double-bond geometry
None specified
Point group
Cs of one 3D conformer with its hydrogens, by Athanor’s engine (as in the app)

Elemental analysis

  • C59.81%
  • H3.59%
  • Cl25.22%
  • O11.38%

Isotope pattern

100%140.0037.7%141.00632%142.0002.5%143.003144.006

Each peak is a nominal mass with its abundance-weighted exact mass, as a percentage of the tallest, from IUPAC natural isotope abundances.

Computed from the structure with RDKit 2026.09 when this page was built, beside PubChem's own computed values from its record; where the two differ, both are shown.

Predicted

log P
2.07 Crippen (Wildman and Crippen 1999)
log S (water solubility)
-2.44 ESOL (Delaney 2004), log mol/L
Synthetic accessibility
1.49 SA score, 1 easy to 10 hard (Ertl and Schuffenhauer 2009)

Drug-likeness: Lipinski’s rule of five

  • Molecular weight ≤ 500: 140.57
  • log P ≤ 5 (Crippen): 2.07
  • H-bond donors ≤ 5: 0
  • H-bond acceptors ≤ 10: 1

Passes all four rules.

¹³C NMR shifts, predicted

Predictions, not measurements; each names its method. A measured log P, where a source reports one, is under Physical properties.

Safety

Danger

Harmonized EU classification (CLP Annex VI). Source [7].

  • Corrosive
  • Harmful or irritant
232 ̵W̵
NFPA 704[5]
  • H302Harmful if swallowed
  • H312Harmful in contact with skin
  • H314Causes severe skin burns and eye damage
  • H317May cause an allergic skin reaction
  • H332Harmful if inhaled

Precautionary statements: P260, P261, P264, P270, P271, P272, P280, P301+P317, P301+P330+P331, P302+P352, P302+P361+P354, P304+P340, P305+P354+P338, P316, P317, P321, P330, P333+P317, P362+P364, P363, P405, P501

View all classifications (3)
  • [7] Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council · DangerH302, H312, H314, H317, H332
  • [8] European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) · 523 reports · DangerH302, H311, H312, H314, H317, H318, H330, H331, H332
  • [5] Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB) · DangerH227, H302, H312, H314, H317, H318, H332, H402

Exposure limits

  • TLV: (ceiling value): 0.5 ppm as STEL.[3]
  • TLV-C (Ceiling): 0.5 ppm [1992][4]
  • IDLH: 10 mg/m³[4]
  • MAK (Maximale Arbeitsplatz Konzentration): Skin absorption (H); carcinogen category: 1[3]

First aid

  • Eyes: First check the victim for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush victim's eyes with water or normal saline solution for 20 to 30 minutes while simultaneously calling a hospital or poison control center. Do not put any ointments, oils, or medication in the victim's eyes without specific instructions from a physician. Immediately transport the victim after flushing eyes to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop. Skin: Immediately flood affected skin with water while removing and isolating all contaminated clothing.[1]
  • General First Aid: · Call 911 or emergency medical service. · Ensure that medical personnel are aware of the material(s) involved, take precautions to protect themselves and avoid contamination. · Move victim to fresh air if it can be done safely. · Administer oxygen if breathing is difficult. · If victim is not breathing: -- DO NOT perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation; the victim may have ingested or inhaled the substance. -- If equipped and pulse detected, wash face and mouth, then give artificial respiration using a proper respiratory medical device (bag-valve mask, pocket mask equipped…[9]
  • Fresh air, rest. Half-upright position. Artificial respiration may be needed. Refer for medical attention.[3]
  • Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower. Refer for medical attention . Wear protective gloves when administering first aid.[3]

Storage

  • See Chemical Dangers. Separated from food and feedstuffs and incompatible materials. Dry. Well closed.[3]
  • Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place. Containers which are opened must be carefully resealed and kept upright to prevent leakage. Store under inert gas. Moisture sensitive. Storage class (TRGS 510): Combustible, corrosive hazardous materials.[5]
  • Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated location. Separate from alkalies, oxidizing materials, alcohol, and water.[5]

Incompatibilities

  • Incompatible materials: Strong oxidizing agents, strong bases, alcohols.[5]
  • Will react with water or steam to produce heat and toxic and corrosive fumes.[5]
  • Violent or explosive reaction with dimethyl sulfoxide, and aluminum chloride + naphthalene.[5]
  • Incompatible with dimethyl sulfoxide, (sodium azide + potassium hydroxide), water, steam, and oxidizers.[5]

Safety data sheets on the supplier’s page: AKos Consulting & Solutions, Finetech Industry Limited, VladaChem.

Always read the supplier’s safety data sheet before working with it.

Spectra

Experimental spectra held by these sources; each link opens the source's own record.

Literature

Reading PubChem, OpenAlex and GSRS…

Bioactivity

Reading ChEMBL…

References

  1. [1]CAMEO Chemicals · Public domain (NOAA) · via PubChem · retrieved 2026-10-14
  2. [2]EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR) · Public domain (US EPA) · via PubChem · retrieved 2026-10-14
  3. [3]ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs) · CC BY 4.0 · via PubChem · retrieved 2026-10-14
  4. [4]Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) · Public domain (US DOL) · via PubChem · retrieved 2026-10-14
  5. [5]Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB) · Public domain (US NLM) · via PubChem · retrieved 2026-10-14
  6. [6]PAC Chemical Database, U.S. Department of Energy · Public domain (US DOE) · via PubChem · retrieved 2026-10-14
  7. [7]Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council · EU reuse policy, CC BY 4.0 · via PubChem · retrieved 2026-10-14
  8. [8]European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) · ECHA legal notice: reuse with acknowledgement · via PubChem · retrieved 2026-10-14
  9. [9]Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG) · Public domain (US DOT) · via PubChem · retrieved 2026-10-14
  10. [10]NMRShiftDB · Linked only · via PubChem · retrieved 2026-10-14
  11. [11]SpectraBase · Linked only · via PubChem · retrieved 2026-10-14
  12. [12]NIST Mass Spectrometry Data Center · Linked only · via PubChem · retrieved 2026-10-14
  13. ·Calculated values: computed by Athanor with RDKit 2026.09 from the structure.
  14. ·Literature on PubChem

Data last updated 2026-10-14.