Application

Diethyl oxalate has the general properties of esters. It absorbs moisture in the air and decomposes slowly. It reacts with ammonia to form amide compounds and condenses with acetone to ethyl pyruvate. It is mainly used in the pharmaceutical industry. It is an intermediate of azathioprine, peripheral sulfanilamide, carboxyphenyllipase penicillin, ethoxybenzylpenicillin, chloroquine lactate, thiabendazole, sulfamethoxazole and other drugs. It can be used as an intermediate of plastics, dyes and other products, and as a solvent of cellulose and spices.Diethyl acetate is often used as the substrate of nucleophilic reagent α,γ- Dicarbonyl esters, ketone compounds, synthesis of heterocyclic compounds, etc. synthesis α,γ- Dicarbonyl esters can be formed by nucleophilic substitution reaction between ketones and diethyl oxalate under alkaline conditions α,γ- Dicarbonyl ester (formula 1). The dicarbonyl ester often exists in enol structure and can be used to synthesize heterocyclic compounds (formula 2)

Production Methods

Diethyl oxalate is produced via esterification of ethanol and oxalic acid. It is a preferred solvent for cellulose acetate and nitrate.

General Description

A colorless liquid. Flash point 168°F. Slightly denser than water and insoluble in water. Hence sinks in water. May irritate skin and mucous membranes; may be mildly toxic by ingestion; may emit irritating fumes in a fire. Vapors are much heavier than air. Used as a solvent for plastics and in the manufacture of perfumes and pharmaceuticals.

Air & Water Reactions

Insoluble in water.

Reactivity Profile

Diethyl oxalate is an ester. Esters react with acids to liberate heat along with alcohols and acids. Strong oxidizing acids may cause a vigorous reaction that is sufficiently exothermic to ignite the reaction products. Heat is also generated by the interaction of esters with caustic solutions. Flammable hydrogen is generated by mixing esters with alkali metals and hydrides

Hazard

Toxic by ingestion, strong irritant to skin and mucous membranes.

Health Hazard

TOXIC; inhalation, ingestion or contact (skin, eyes) with vapors, dusts or substance may cause severe injury, burns or death. Contact with molten substance may cause severe burns to skin and eyes. Reaction with water or moist air will release toxic, corrosive or flammable gases. Reaction with water may generate much heat that will increase the concentration of fumes in the air. Fire will produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Runoff from fire control or dilution water may be corrosive and/or toxic and cause pollution.

Fire Hazard

Combustible material: may burn but does not ignite readily. Substance will react with water (some violently) releasing flammable, toxic or corrosive gases and runoff. When heated, vapors may form explosive mixtures with air: indoors, outdoors and sewers explosion hazards. Most vapors are heavier than air. They will spread along ground and collect in low or confined areas (sewers, basements, tanks). Vapors may travel to source of ignition and flash back. Contact with metals may evolve flammable hydrogen gas. Containers may explode when heated or if contaminated with water.

Safety Profile

Poison by ingestion. Flammable liquid when exposed to heat or flame; can react with oxidzing materials. To fight fire, use foam, CO2, dry chemical. When heated to decomposition it emits acrid smoke and fumes. See also OXALATES and ESTERS.