title: Ethyl chloroformate
text: # Ethyl chloroformate
  
  Ethyl chloroformate is an organic compound with the chemical formula $ClCO_2CH_2CH_3.$ 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:
  
  ## 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.
  
  