Pentachlorobenzenethiol

Pentachlorobenzenethiol is a chemical compound that belongs to the class of organochlorides. It is a derivative of benzenethiol, where five hydrogen atoms are replaced by chlorine atoms.

Structure and Properties

Pentachlorobenzenethiol has a molecular formula of C6Cl5SH. It is a colorless to pale yellow liquid with a strong, unpleasant odor. The compound is not soluble in water but is soluble in organic solvents such as ethanol and acetone.

The structure of pentachlorobenzenethiol consists of a benzene ring, where five of the hydrogen atoms are replaced by chlorine atoms, and the sixth hydrogen atom is replaced by a sulfhydryl (-SH) group. This gives the compound its thiol characteristic.

Synthesis

Pentachlorobenzenethiol can be synthesized by the reaction of pentachlorobenzene with hydrogen sulfide in the presence of a catalyst such as aluminium chloride.

Applications

Pentachlorobenzenethiol is used in the synthesis of other chemical compounds. It is also used as a reagent in chemical reactions due to its ability to act as a nucleophile.

Safety and Precautions

Pentachlorobenzenethiol is a toxic compound and should be handled with care. It can cause irritation to the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. It is also harmful if swallowed or absorbed through the skin.

See Also

• Organochloride
• Benzenethiol
• Pentachlorobenzene
• Hydrogen sulfide