What is pivaloyl chloride?

Pivaloyl chloride, also known as trimethylacetyl chloride, is a colorless liquid with a pungent odor. It is a highly reactive acyl chloride that is commonly used as a reagent in organic synthesis. Pivaloyl chloride is typically used for the synthesis of pivalic acid, which is an important building block in the production of pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and other chemicals.

Pivaloyl chloride is highly corrosive and should be handled with caution. It reacts violently with water, alcohols, and bases, releasing hydrogen chloride gas. It is often used under anhydrous conditions and in the presence of a base such as pyridine to avoid these reactions.

Overall, pivaloyl chloride is an important reagent in the field of organic chemistry, particularly in the synthesis of complex organic molecules.