C

Chloromethane

IUPAC: chloromethane

CH3Cl Organic Compounds CAS 74-87-3
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Quick Reference
Formula / NotationCH3Cl
CAS Number74-87-3
Molecular Weight50.49
Melting Point-143 °F (NTP, 1992)
Boiling Point-11.6 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992)
Density0.997 at -11.2 °F (USCG, 1999) - Less dense than water; will float
SolubilitySlightly soluble (NTP, 1992)
AppearanceMethyl chloride appears as a colorless gas with a faint sweet odor. Shipped as a liquid under its vapor pressure. A leak may either be liquid or vapor. Contact with the liquid may cause frostbite b...
Also Known AsMETHYL CHLORIDE; 74-87-3; Monochloromethane; Methane, chloro-; Methylchloride; Artic; CH3Cl; Methylchlorid; Clorometano; Chloor-methaan
CategoryOrganic Compounds

What is Chloromethane?

Methyl Chloride can cause developmental toxicity according to The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). It can cause male reproductive toxicity according to The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Formula & Notation

CH3Cl

IUPAC Name: chloromethane

Other Names / Synonyms: METHYL CHLORIDE; 74-87-3; Monochloromethane; Methane, chloro-; Methylchloride; Artic; CH3Cl; Methylchlorid; Clorometano; Chloor-methaan

Properties & Characteristics

Appearance: Methyl chloride appears as a colorless gas with a faint sweet odor. Shipped as a liquid under its vapor pressure. A leak may either be liquid or vapor. Contact with the liquid may cause frostbite b.... Molecular formula: CH3Cl. Molecular weight: 50.49 g/mol. Boiling point: -11.6 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992). Melting point: -143 °F (NTP, 1992). Density: 0.997 at -11.2 °F (USCG, 1999) - Less dense than water; will float. Solubility: Slightly soluble (NTP, 1992). Vapor pressure: 760 mmHg at -11 °F ; 3672 mmHg at 68 °F (NTP, 1992). LogP: 0.8.

Physical Data

PropertyValue
Melting Point-143 °F (NTP, 1992)
Boiling Point-11.6 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992)
Density0.997 at -11.2 °F (USCG, 1999) - Less dense than water; will float
Molecular Weight50.49
SolubilitySlightly soluble (NTP, 1992)
AppearanceMethyl chloride appears as a colorless gas with a faint sweet odor. Shipped as a liquid under its vapor pressure. A leak may either be liquid or vapor. Contact with the liquid may cause frostbite b...

Uses & Applications

Used as an industrial feedstock, solvent, pharmaceutical intermediate, flavoring agent, or chemical building block.

Safety Information

Flammable or irritant. Many organic compounds are flammable liquids or vapours. Keep away from ignition sources. Consult SDS for specific hazard data.

Always consult the SDS/MSDS before handling any chemical. This information is for educational purposes only.

Key Facts

Term Chloromethane
Formula CH3Cl
CAS Number 74-87-3
Molecular Weight 50.49
Synonyms METHYL CHLORIDE; 74-87-3; Monochloromethane; Methane, chloro-; Methylchloride; Artic; CH3Cl; Methylchlorid; Clorometano; Chloor-methaan

Frequently Asked Questions

Methyl Chloride can cause developmental toxicity according to The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). It can cause male reproductive toxicity according to The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

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Editorial standards: Chemical data is sourced from peer-reviewed literature, CAS Registry, NIST WebBook, and PubChem. Safety information reflects guidance from OSHA, ECHA, and IAEA. For educational purposes only — always consult official SDS documentation and qualified professionals before handling chemicals.