Benzoyl chloride


Benzoyl chloride, also known as benzenecarbonyl chloride, is a colourless, fuming liquid, C<sub>6</sub>H<sub>5</sub>COCl, with an irritating odour. In the laboratory it may be prepared by distilling benzoic acid (C<sub>6</sub>H<sub>5</sub>COOH) with phosphorus pentachloride in anhydrous conditions. On a larger scale it is prepared by chlorinating benzaldehyde. This chlorination can be accomplished using thionyl chloride.