Methanesulfonyl Chloride (MsCl) is a highly reactive and versatile chemical intermediate widely used in the pharmaceutical, agrochemical, and fine chemical industries. At HoriazonChemical, we supply high-quality MsCl to support advanced synthesis needs worldwide.

In this article, we’ll break down its definition, chemical structure, key properties, and primary industrial applications.

🔬 What is Methanesulfonyl Chloride (MsCl)?

Methanesulfonyl Chloride is an organosulfur compound with the molecular formula:

  • Molecular Formula: CH₃SO₂Cl
  • Molecular Weight: 114.55 g/mol
  • CAS Number: 124-63-0

It is typically a colorless to pale yellow liquid with a sharp odor. Due to its strong reactivity, it is mainly used as a sulfonylating agent in organic synthesis.

🧪 Structure of Methanesulfonyl Chloride

The structure of Methanesulfonyl Chloride is relatively simple but highly functional:

  • A sulfur atom double-bonded to two oxygen atoms.
  • A methyl group (-CH₃) attached to sulfur.
  • A chlorine atom (-Cl) bonded to sulfur.

This structural arrangement gives MsCl high reactivity, making it an efficient intermediate in creating sulfonamides, esters, and other valuable derivatives.

⚡ Key Properties of MsCl

PropertyMsCl
AppearanceColorless to pale yellow liquid
Molecular FormulaCH₃SO₂Cl
Molecular Weight114.55 g/mol
Boiling Point161–163 °C
Density~1.48 g/cm³
SolubilityReacts with water (hydrolyzes)

👉 Note: MsCl is highly sensitive to moisture, undergoing rapid hydrolysis in water to form Methanesulfonic Acid (MSA) and hydrochloric acid (HCl). This requires special handling and storage.

🌍 Key Applications of Methanesulfonyl Chloride

Methanesulfonyl Chloride is not a final product itself but an essential reactive intermediate in multiple industries:

Pharmaceutical
Pharmaceutical Key Applications of Methanesulfonyl Chloride
  • Used to prepare sulfonamides, a critical class of pharmaceutical drugs.
  • Plays a role in the synthesis of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), especially antibiotics, anti-diabetic, and cardiovascular drugs.
Agrochemicals
Agrochemicals Key Applications of Methanesulfonyl Chloride
  • Applied in the manufacture of herbicides, pesticides, and fungicides.
  • Improves reactivity and efficiency in agrochemical synthesis.
Specialty & Fine Chemicals
Specialty & Fine Chemicals Key Applications of Methanesulfonyl Chloride
  • Used in the synthesis of dyes, perfumes, and flavors.
  • Essential in polymer modification and functional materials.
Electronics Industry
Electronics Industry Key Applications of Methanesulfonyl Chloride
  • Contributes to the synthesis of advanced materials used in semiconductors and coatings.

⚠️ Safety & Handling

Because of its reactivity, Methanesulfonyl Chloride requires:

  • Dry, sealed storage in a cool environment.
  • Protective handling equipment (gloves, goggles, fume hood).
  • Avoidance of direct contact with water and humid conditions.

✅ High Purity MsCl Supplier

Methanesulfonyl Chloride (MsCl) is a powerful chemical intermediate that enables high-value synthesis in pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, electronics, and specialty chemicals. At HoriazonChemical, we provide high-purity MsCl with strict quality control, ensuring reliable supply for industrial applications worldwide.

👉 Whether you’re working in drug synthesis, agrochemical development, or advanced materials, HoriazonChemical is your trusted MsCl supplier.

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