What is the Difference Between Allyl Chloride and Vinyl Chloride?

The main difference between allyl chloride and vinyl chloride lies in their structure and reactivity. Here are the key differences:

1. Structure: Allyl chloride contains a chlorine atom bonded to an allylic carbon atom, while vinyl chloride has a chlorine atom bonded to one of the two carbon atoms in the vinyl group.
2. Reactivity: Allyl chloride is more reactive than vinyl chloride due to the absence of resonance in allyl chloride, while vinyl chloride has a lone pair of chlorine atoms in resonance, making it less reactive.
3. Physical State: Allyl chloride occurs as a liquid, while vinyl chloride is a colorless gas at room temperature.
4. Odor: Allyl chloride has an unpleasant odor, whereas vinyl chloride has a pleasant odor.
5. Hydrolysis: Allyl chloride is hydrolyzed much more easily than vinyl halides due to the presence of the allylic chloride group.

Comparative Table: Allyl Chloride vs Vinyl Chloride

Allyl chloride and vinyl chloride are two-carbon compounds that contain a double bond and are highly toxic. They have some differences, which are summarized in the table below:

Allyl chloride has its chlorine atom bonded to one of the three carbon atoms in the allyl group, while vinyl chloride has its chlorine atom bonded to one of the two carbon atoms in the vinyl group. Allyl chloride occurs as a liquid at room temperature, whereas vinyl chloride is a colorless gas. Allyl chloride has an unpleasant odor, while vinyl chloride has a pleasant odor. Additionally, allyl chloride can be distinguished from vinyl chloride by its reactivity with NaOH and AgCl, as it forms a stable carbocation, while vinyl chloride does not react.