Propionic anhydride

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Propionic anhydride
Names
Preferred IUPAC name
Propanoic anhydride
Other names
Propionic anhydride
Propanoyl propanoate
Identifiers
3D model (JSmol)
ChEMBL
ChemSpider
EC Number
  • 204-638-2
RTECS number
  • UF9100000
UNII
UN number 2496
Properties
C6H10O3
Molar mass 130.14 g/mol
Appearance Clear liquid, with a strong smell similar to vinegar
Density 1.015 g/cm3, liquid
Melting point −42 °C (−44 °F; 231 K)
Boiling point 167 to 170 °C (333 to 338 °F; 440 to 443 K)
Reacts to give propanoic acid
Viscosity 1.144 cP at ?°C
Hazards
Main hazards flammable
Safety data sheet External MSDS
GHS pictograms GHS05: Corrosive
GHS Signal word Danger
H314
P260, P264, P280, P301+330+331, P303+361+353, P304+340, P305+351+338, P310, P321, P363, P405, P501
Flash point 63 °C (145 °F; 336 K)
Related compounds
Related compounds
Acetic anhydride

Propanoyl chloride

Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
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Infobox references

Propionic anhydride is an organic compound with the formula (CH3CH2CO)2O. This simple acid anhydride is a colourless liquid. It is a widely used reagent in organic synthesis as well as for producing specialty derivatives of cellulose.[1]

Synthesis

Industrial route to propionic anhydride involves thermal dehydration of propionic acid, driving off the water by distillation:

2 CH3CH2CO2H → (CH3CH2CO)2O + H2O

Another routes is the Reppe carbonylation of ethylene with propionic acid and nickel carbonyl as the catalyst:[1]

CH2=CH2 + CH3CH2CO2H + CO → (CH3CH2CO)2O

Propionic anhydride has also been prepared by dehydration of propionic acid using ketene:[2]

2 CH3CH2CO2H + CH2=C=O → (CH3CH2CO)2O + CH3CO2H

Safety

Propanoic anhydride is strong smelling and corrosive, and will cause burns on contact with skin. Vapour can burn eyes and lungs.

Due to its potential use as a precursor in the synthesis of fentanyl and fentanyl analogs, propanoic anhydride is regulated by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration as a List I chemical under the Controlled Substances Act.[3]

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 Samel, Ulf-Rainer; Kohler, Walter; Gamer, Armin Otto; Keuser, Ullrich (2005). "Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry". Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry. Weinheim: Wiley-VCH. doi:10.1002/14356007.a22_223. 
  2. Williams, J. W. Krynitsky, J. A. (1941). "n-Caproic Anhydride". Organic Syntheses 21: 13. doi:10.15227/orgsyn.021.0013. 
  3. Drugs of Abuse Publication, Chapter 2




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