INTRODUCTION

Phenyl chloroformate (PCF), an organic, volatile liquid, is an important reactant in chemical syntheses. It forms a series of intermediates that are further consumed to produce APIs, agrochemicals, and polymers.  The chloroformate is also employed in proteomic research and itself is a phosgenation reagent.

Manufacture

Phenyl chloroformate is manufactured by phosgenation of phenol. Less hazardous synthesis route involves phenol, MDC, and triphosgene.

SynonymsChloroformic acid phenyl ester
Phenyl chloridocarbonate
CAS no.1885-14-9
EINECS no.217-547-8
Molecular formulaC7H5ClO2
Molecular weight156.6
Structure

Applications in APIs

Chloroformic acid phenyl ester is a key intermediate in the production of APIs:

APITherapeutic Category
RilmenidineAnti-hypertensive
SorafenibKinase inhibitor
DroxicamAnti-inflammatory
CamazepamDepressant
LeuprorelinProstate cancer treatment
Xamoterol hemifumerateCardiac stimulant

Applications in Intermediate Syntheses

PCF forms an important raw material for the following intermediate compounds:

1,4-Beneznedimethanol
Ethyl phenyl carbonate
Piperidine-2-ethanol
Cbz-D-phenylalaninol
4,6-dimethoxy-2(phenoxycarbonyl)aminopyrimidine
Phenyl carbamate
Benzyl phenyl carbonate

Applications in Agrochemicals

PCF is used to manufacture sulphonyl urea herbicides such as Amidosulfuron and Flazasulfuron.

Other Applications

The chloroformate exhibits further versatility as:

Precursor of phenyl mixed anhydrides which are couplers in peptide synthesis
Dehydrating agent to convert amides into nitriles

SPECIFICATIONS

TestUnitSpecifications
AppearanceColorless to yellow liquid
Purity%Min 99.0
Organic solvent%Max 1.0
Phenol%Max 0.1
Diphenyl carbonate%Max 1.0
Hydrolysable chlorineppmMax 3000
Moisture%Max 0.3

STORAGE
The product is stored at ambient temperature.

PACKING
– 225 kg UN-approved MS Composite drum
– ISO-tank

REACH Status
Not registered yet.

ExSyn offers PCF on commercial scales and welcomes enquiries. No matter the quantity you need, our exceptional quality and service will make ExSyn your supplier of choice! If you need any additional information or SDS, please get in touch with us.

More Products
In focus: Sodium Hyaluronate Ph. Eur.
Products in focus · 12/05/2026

Sodium Hyaluronate is the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring glycosaminoglycan known for its exceptional ability to retain moisture, along with its viscoelastic and biocompatible properties, making it highly valuable across pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and biomedical applications.

READ MORE
In focus: Pyrazinamide Ph. Eur.
Products in focus · 05/05/2026

Pyrazinamide is a first-line antitubercular drug used in combination therapy for the treatment of tuberculosis (TB). It is a synthetic pyrazine derivative and acts as a prodrug, which is converted into its active form (pyrazinoic acid) inside Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

READ MORE
In focus: 6-Bromopyridine-2,3-diamine
Products in focus · 28/04/2026

6-Bromopyridine-2,3-diamine is a heterocyclic organic compound belonging to the class of substituted pyridines. It is used mainly as an intermediate in pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals.

READ MORE
In focus: MagnesiumTrisilicate BP (Trisilicalm)
Products in focus · 21/04/2026

Magnesium trisilicate is an inorganic compound commonly used in pharmaceutical and gastrointestinal (GI) preparations due to its dual action. It is usually produced as a white, odorless, fine powder. It helps bind toxins or irritants in the gastrointestinal tract and occasionally used in formulations for its stabilizing properties.

READ MORE
In focus: Choline Salicylate Solution
Products in focus · 14/04/2026

Choline salicylate is a salicylate salt formed from choline and salicylic acid. It is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent (NSAID-type compound) mainly used for its analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and mild antiseptic properties. Unlike acetylated salicylates, it is less irritating to the gastric mucosa and is commonly used in topical oral preparations such as gels and mouth paints.

READ MORE
In focus: Tensyra™ N-10, (Octoxinol 10, Ph.Eur.)
Products in focus · 07/04/2026

TensyraTM N-10 (Octoxinol 10; tert-octyl phenyl ethoxylate) is a non-ionic surfactant known for its excellent solubilizing and membrane-permeabilizing properties. It features a hydrophilic polyethylene oxide chain paired with a lipophilic aromatic hydrocarbon group.It readily breaks down biological membranes to lyse cells, solubilize proteins, and permeabilize cell membranes for assays.

READ MORE
In focus: Teprenone (Geranylgeranylacetone; GGA)
Products in focus · 31/03/2026

Teprenone (Geranylgeranylacetone, GGA) is a mixture of the all-trans and mono-cis isomers of 6,10,14,18-tetramethyl-5,9,13,17-nonadecatetraen-2-one (in a weight ratio of 3:2). It is an acyclic isoprenoid compound with a structure like retinoids and is widely used for the treatment of gastrointestinal ulcers.

READ MORE
In focus: Ciclopirox Olamine Ph.Eur.
Products in focus · 24/03/2026

Ciclopirox Olamine (CPO)  is the N-oxide of a 2 -hydroxy pyridine derivative that carries antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. It is composed of 6-cyclohexyl-1-hydroxy-4-methyl-2(1H)-pyridone combined with 2 aminoethanol (olamine) in a 1:1 ratio.

READ MORE
In focus: N,N-Dimethylglycine sodium salt (DMG Na)
Products in focus · 17/03/2026

N,N-Dimethylglycine sodium salt (DMG Na) is the sodium salt form of N,N-dimethylglycine, a tertiary amino acid derivative is white to off white crystalline solid, freely soluble in water.

READ MORE