> Category: Hydroxyl Protecting Group Reagent | Molecular Formula: C19H15Cl | Molecular Weight: 278.8 | CAS: 76-83-5
What Is Trityl Chloride (TrCl) Used For?
Trityl Chloride (TrCl) (CAS 76-83-5) is a hydroxyl protecting group reagent primarily used in selective protection of primary alcohols. Trityl chloride (TrCl) is the gold standard for primary alcohol protection in multi-step synthesis. Its exceptional selectivity for primary over secondary hydroxyl groups (typically >20:1) is unmatched by silyl or acyl protecting groups. The bulky triphenylmethyl group provides robust steric shielding, and the bright yellow color of trityl cation makes deprotection visually monitorable. The reagent is critical in nucleoside chemistry for 5'-OH protection, and in carbohydrate chemistry where regio-selective protection is required.
With a molecular formula of C19H15Cl and molecular weight of 278.8 g/mol [001], Trityl Chloride (TrCl) is white to pale yellow crystalline powder and soluble in dichloromethane, chloroform, thf; reacts with water and alcohols [002]. The global market for this compound class was valued at $182.6 million protection reagents (2024), growing at a CAGR of 5.2% [003].
How Does Trityl Chloride (TrCl) Work in Chemical Reactions?
The mechanism of action of Trityl Chloride (TrCl) depends on its structural features. With InChIKey JBWKIWSBJXDJDT-UHFFFAOYSA-N [001], Trityl Chloride (TrCl) functions through Trityl chloride (TrCl) is the gold standard for primary alcohol protection in multi-step synthesis....
Key mechanistic features include:
- Structural specificity: The molecular architecture of Trityl Chloride (TrCl) (IUPAC: [chloro(diphenyl)methyl]benzene [001]) determines its reactivity profile and selectivity
- Solubility profile: Soluble in dichloromethane, chloroform, THF; reacts with water and alcohols [002], enabling compatibility with diverse reaction conditions
- Functional group tolerance: Compatible with a wide range of functional groups commonly encountered in multi-step synthesis
For industrial applications, Trityl Chloride (TrCl) has been optimized for scalability. The compound's white to pale yellow crystalline powder facilitates handling, and its well-characterized properties enable reproducible process chemistry across batch sizes ranging from milligram to kilogram scale.
What Are the Key Applications of Trityl Chloride (TrCl)?
Trityl Chloride (TrCl) serves critical roles across multiple chemical sectors [004]:
- Selective protection of primary alcohols in presence of secondary alcohols
- Nucleoside and carbohydrate chemistry
- Solid-phase peptide synthesis (trityl-based resins)
- Protection of amines and thiols
The diversity of applications reflects the compound's versatility. In pharmaceutical synthesis, Trityl Chloride (TrCl) enables key bond-forming reactions that would be difficult or impossible with alternative reagents. In materials chemistry, it provides access to polymers and advanced materials with tailored properties.
What Are the Physical and Chemical Properties of Trityl Chloride (TrCl)?
Understanding the physical properties of Trityl Chloride (TrCl) (CAS 76-83-5) is essential for safe handling and optimal experimental design [001] [002]:
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| CAS Number | 76-83-5 |
| Molecular Formula | C19H15Cl |
| Molecular Weight | 278.8 g/mol |
| IUPAC Name | [chloro(diphenyl)methyl]benzene |
| InChIKey | JBWKIWSBJXDJDT-UHFFFAOYSA-N |
| Appearance | White to pale yellow crystalline powder |
| Melting Point | 109-113 °C |
| Boiling Point | 230-235 °C (20 mmHg) |
Solubility characteristics: Soluble in dichloromethane, chloroform, THF; reacts with water and alcohols [002]. These properties dictate the choice of reaction medium, workup procedures, and purification strategies when working with Trityl Chloride (TrCl).
What Is the Market Outlook for Trityl Chloride (TrCl)?
The global market for this class of compounds demonstrates robust growth [003]. The market was valued at $182.6 million protection reagents (2024), with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.2% [003].
Three forces drive demand:
- Pharmaceutical R&D expansion: Over 60% of the demand for high-purity hydroxyl protecting group reagents originates from pharmaceutical research and manufacturing, driven by the increasing pipeline of small-molecule drug candidates
- Asia-Pacific manufacturing growth: China and India account for approximately 45% of global consumption, reflecting the migration of pharmaceutical intermediate manufacturing to the region [003]
- Green chemistry adoption: The shift toward sustainable synthesis methods favors reagents with favorable E-factors and aqueous compatibility
The market report by Fact.MR, Protection Reagents Market Report 2025 projects continued expansion through 2032, driven by these structural demand drivers [003].
How Should Trityl Chloride (TrCl) Be Safely Handled and Stored?
Proper handling of Trityl Chloride (TrCl) requires attention to standard laboratory safety protocols. Key considerations:
- Storage: Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area. Keep container tightly closed when not in use
- Personal protective equipment (PPE): Wear appropriate gloves (nitrile recommended), safety goggles, and lab coat
- Ventilation: Use in a fume hood or well-ventilated area
- Incompatibilities: Avoid contact with strong oxidizing agents and incompatible materials
Always consult the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) from your supplier before handling. The SDS provides detailed information on hazards, first aid measures, firefighting procedures, and disposal considerations specific to the grade and formulation you are using [002].
Frequently Asked Questions About Trityl Chloride (TrCl)
What is the CAS number of Trityl Chloride (TrCl)?
The CAS Registry Number of Trityl Chloride (TrCl) is 76-83-5. This unique identifier is assigned by the Chemical Abstracts Service and is recognized globally for unambiguous chemical identification [001].
Is Trityl Chloride (TrCl) water-soluble?
Soluble in dichloromethane, chloroform, THF; reacts with water and alcohols. Soluble in dichloromethane, chloroform, THF; reacts with water and alcohols [002]. This solubility profile is critical for selecting appropriate reaction solvents and workup conditions.
What is the molecular weight of Trityl Chloride (TrCl)?
The molecular weight of Trityl Chloride (TrCl) (76-83-5) is 278.8 g/mol, based on its molecular formula C19H15Cl [001].
Where can I buy Trityl Chloride (TrCl) with fast shipping?
Trityl Chloride (TrCl) is widely available from major chemical suppliers including Sigma-Aldrich (catalog #T83801), Thermo Fisher Scientific, TCI America, and other regional distributors. For research quantities, most suppliers offer next-day delivery in major markets. Bulk and custom quantities typically require 1-4 weeks lead time. CoreyChem also stocks Trityl Chloride (TrCl) at competitive prices with global shipping.
What are the main applications of Trityl Chloride (TrCl) in industry?
The primary industrial applications of Trityl Chloride (TrCl) include: Selective protection of primary alcohols in presence of secondary alcohols; Nucleoside and carbohydrate chemistry; Solid-phase peptide synthesis (trityl-based resins); and Protection of amines and thiols [004].
What is the difference between Trityl Chloride (TrCl) and similar reagents?
Unlike structurally related alternatives, Trityl Chloride (TrCl) offers unique structural and reactivity features. This differentiated performance profile makes it the preferred choice for the specific applications listed above [004].
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Where to Buy Trityl Chloride (TrCl) (CAS 76-83-5)
Trityl Chloride (TrCl) is available in the CoreyChem catalog. [View product page →](https://careerchemical.com/product/76-83-5)
CoreyChem supplies Trityl Chloride (TrCl) to research laboratories and industrial customers worldwide. Contact our sales team for bulk pricing and custom packaging options.
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References & Sources
https://www.factmr.com/report/protection-reagents-market
https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/product/aldrich/T83801
