| Acetic anhydride | |
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| IUPAC name | Ethanoyl ethanoate |
| Other names | Acetic anhydride Acetic acid anhydride Acetylacetate Acetyl oxide Acetic oxide Ethanoic anhydride |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS number | 108-24-7 |
| RTECS number | AK1925000 |
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| Properties | |
| Molecular formula | C4H6O3 |
| Molar mass | 102.090 g/mol |
| Appearance | clear liquid |
| Density | 1.082 g/cm³, liquid |
| Melting point |
−73.1 °C |
| Boiling point |
139.8 °C |
| Solubility in water | 2.6% by weight; rapidly reacts to form acetic acid |
| Hazards | |
| EU classification | Corrosive (C) |
| R-phrases | R10, R20/22, R34 |
| S-phrases | (S1/2), S26, S36/37/39, S45 |
| Flash point | 54 °C |
| Related compounds | |
| Related acid anhydrides | Propionic anhydride |
| Related compounds | Acetic acid Acetyl chloride |
| Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa) Infobox references |
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Acetic anhydride is the chemical compound with the formula (CH3CO)2O. Commonly abbreviated Ac2O, it is one of the simplest acid anhydrides and is a widely used reagent in organic synthesis. It is a colorless liquid that smells strongly of acetic acid, which is formed by its reaction with the moisture in the air.
Contents |
Acetic anhydride is produced by carbonylation of methyl acetate:[1]
This process involves the conversion of methyl acetate to methyl iodide and an acetate salt. Carbonylation of the methyl iodide in turn affords acetyl iodide, which reacts with acetate salts or acetic acid to give the product. Rhodium and lithium iodides are employed as catalysts. Because acetic anhydride is not stable in water, the conversion is conducted under anhydrous conditions. In contrast, the Monsanto acetic acid synthesis, which also involves a rhodium catalyzed carbonylation of methyl iodide, is at least partially aqueous.
To a decreasing extent, acetic anhydride is also prepared by the reaction of ketene with acetic acid. Ketene is generated by dehydrating acetic acid at elevated temperatures. This production method was developed by Wacker Chemie in 1922, when the demand for acetic anhydride increased due to the production of acetic fibre.
Due to its low cost, acetic anhydride is purchased, not prepared, for use in research laboratories.
Acetic anhydride is a versatile reagent for acetylations, the introduction of acetyl groups to organic substrates. In these conversions, acetic anhydride is viewed as a source of CH3CO+. Alcohols and amines are readily acetylated.[2] For example, the reaction of acetic anhydride with ethanol is:
Often a base such as pyridine is added to function as catalyst. In specialized applications, Lewis acidic scandium salts have also proven effective catalysts.[3]
Aromatic rings are acetylated, usually in the presence of an acid catalyst. Illustrative is the conversion of benzene to acetophenone:
Ferrocene may be acetylated too:[4]
Acetic anhydride dissolves in water to approximately 2.6% by weight.[5] Aqueous solutions have limited stability because, like most acid anhydrides, acetic anhydride hydrolyses to give acetic acid:[6]
As indicated by its organic chemistry, Ac2O is mainly used for acetylations leading to commercially significant materials. Its largest application is for the conversion of cellulose to cellulose acetate, which is a component of photographic film and other coated materials. Similarly it is used in the production of aspirin, acetyl salicylic acid, which is prepared by the acetylation of salicylic acid. It is also used as a wood preservative via autoclave impregnation to make a longer lasting timber. Because of its use for the synthesis of heroin by the diacetylation of morphine, acetic anhydride (known as 'AA' in clandestine chemistry circles) is listed as a U.S. DEA List II Precursor,[7] and restricted in many other countries. The largest markets for diverted acetic anhydride continue to be heroin laboratories in Afghanistan.[8]
Acetic anhydride is an irritant and flammable. Because of its reactivity toward water, alcohol foam or carbon dioxide are preferred for fire suppression.[9] The vapour of acetic anhydride is harmful.[10]