Ethyl chloroformate

Ethyl chloroformate is an organic compound with the chemical formula ClCO2CH2CH3. It is the ethyl ester of chloroformic acid. It is a colorless, corrosive and highly toxic liquid. It is a reagent used in organic synthesis for the introduction of the ethyl carbamate protecting group and for the formation of carboxylic anhydrides.

Preparation
Ethyl chloroformate can be prepared using ethanol and phosgene:
 * [[File:Synthesis Ethylchloroformiate A.svg]]

Safety
Ethyl chloroformate is a highly toxic, flammable, corrosive substance. It causes severe burns when comes in contact with eyes and/or skin, can be harmful if swallowed or inhaled.