benzal chloride

noun

Chemistry.

1. a colorless, oily liquid, C 7 H 6 Cl 2 , used chiefly in the synthesis of benzaldehyde, and in the manufacture of dyes.

Word History and Origins

Origin of benzal chloride¹

First recorded in 1875–80

Example Sentences

By heating benzal chloride with dry sodium acetate there is formed an acid known as cinnamic acid, a fragrant compound which derives its name from cinnamon, because the acid was prepared by the oxidation of oil of cinnamon by Dumas and Peligot in 1834.

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The first of these is benzyl chloride, the second benzal chloride, and the third benzotrichloride or phenyl chloroform.

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It was but a step from the laboratory into the factory in this case, and at the present time the aldehyde is made on a large scale by chlorinating boiling toluene beyond the stage of benzyl chloride, and heating the mixture of benzal chloride and benzotrichloride with lime and water under pressure.

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This compound is readily oxidized to benzoic acid, C6H5�COOH, the aromatic residue being unattacked; nitric and sulphuric acids produce nitro-toluenes, C6H4�CH3�NO2, and toluene sulphonic acids, C6H4�CH3�SO3H; chlorination may result in the formation of derivatives substituted either in the aromatic nucleus or in the side chain; the former substitution occurs most readily, chlor-toluenes, C6H4�CH3�Cl, being formed, while the latter, which needs an elevation in temperature or other auxiliary, yields benzyl chloride, C6H5�CH2Cl, and benzal chloride, C6H5�CHCl2.

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