Chloromethane

Methyl chloride (methyl chloride, chloromethane, CH3Cl), also known as chloromethane, is a colorless, easily liquefied gas stored under pressure in steel cylinders. It has an ether-like odor and a sweet taste. Its molecular weight is 50.49, with a liquid density of 0.92 g/cm³ (at 20/4°C) and a gas density of 1.785 g/L. The boiling point is -23.76°C. It is slightly soluble in water but readily soluble in chloroform, ether, ethanol, and acetone. It is not easily flammable or explosive and is non-corrosive. At high temperatures (above 400°C) or under strong light, it decomposes into methanol and hydrochloric acid. When heated or exposed to flame, it produces phosgene.