Production and Uses - Chloroethane is produced by hydrochlorination of ethylene. - It can also be produced from ethanol and hydrochloric acid, ethane and chlorine, or ethanol and phosphorus trichloride. - Some chloroethane is generated as a byproduct of polyvinyl chloride production. - The routes involving ethanol and hydrochloric acid, ethane and chlorine, and ethanol and phosphorus trichloride are no longer economical. - Chloroethane production from ethanol and hydrochloric acid was first done in 1440. - Chloroethane is an inexpensive ethylating agent. - It is used to convert cellulose to ethylcellulose, a thickening agent and binder. - It has been used as a refrigerant, aerosol spray propellant, anesthetic, and blowing agent for foam packaging. - It was used as a promoter chemical in the process to produce ethylbenzene. - Currently, it is not widely used in these roles.

Obsolete uses - Chloroethane was primarily used to produce tetraethyllead, an anti-knock additive for gasoline. - The demand for chloroethane has fallen sharply as tetraethyllead is being phased out. - Tetraethyllead production using chloroethane as a precursor was common from 1922 to the 20th century. - Chloroethane is no longer used for this purpose in most industrialised countries. - The use of tetraethyllead has been or is being phased out worldwide.

Niche uses - Chloroethane can be applied topically to produce a deep and rapid chill, useful for removing splinters or incising abscesses. - It was commonly used in casualty wards and dentistry. - Chloroethane was used as an anesthetic before di-ethyl ether. - It is used in dentistry to diagnose a dead tooth. - In Brazil, it is a major component of a traditional (though illegal) drug taken during Carnaval.

Safety - Chloroethane vapor is flammable and narcotic, requiring caution. - Monochloroethane is the least toxic of the chloroethanes. - Breathing its vapors at less than 1% concentration usually causes no symptoms. - Concentrations of 3% to 5% can cause symptoms similar to alcohol intoxication. - Breathing its vapors at 15% concentration is often fatal.

Regulatory control and Health hazards - Chloroethane is classified as a Group 2B carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). - Prolonged exposure to chloroethane can cause liver and kidney damage. - Inhalation of chloroethane can lead to respiratory issues and central nervous system depression. - Skin contact with chloroethane may cause irritation and dermatitis. - Occupational exposure to chloroethane should be minimised to prevent adverse health effects. - Anvisa, the Brazilian health regulatory agency, has listed chloroethane as a substance under special control. - The use and distribution of chloroethane are regulated to prevent misuse and harm. - Regulatory agencies worldwide have established guidelines and limits for exposure to chloroethane. - Compliance with safety regulations and proper handling of chloroethane is essential in industrial settings. - Ongoing monitoring and assessment of chloroethane's environmental and health impacts are necessary.