The chemical 1-methylethyl chlorocarbonate (C4H7ClO2) is commonly used in the manufacturing industry, but its impact on the health of workers in factories is a major concern. This article will explore the dangerous effects of this chemical and how to protect the health of workers in this environment.
1. What is 1-methylethyl chlorocarbonate?
1-methylethyl chlorocarbonate, with the chemical formula C4H7ClO2, is a chemical compound belonging to the chlorocarbonate group. It is a colorless, volatile liquid with a characteristic odor, often used in the chemical manufacturing and synthetic industries. This compound can react with water and alkaline substances to create new products.
The chemical formula C4H7ClO2 indicates that this compound consists of 4 carbon (C) atoms, 7 hydrogen (H) atoms, 1 chlorine (Cl) atom, and 2 oxygen (O) atoms. The structure of 1-methylethyl chlorocarbonate includes a methylethyl group (C4H7) bonded to a chlorocarbonate group (-OCOCl). The chlorocarbonate group characterizes the properties of this compound, allowing it to participate in important chemical reactions in the chemical industry.
This type of chemical is used in the production of other organic compounds, especially in the synthesis of polymers, ester compounds, and many other chemical products.
| No. | Chemical Name in Vietnamese | Chemical Name in English | HS Code | CAS Number | Chemical Formula |
| 1. | Isopropyl cloformat | 1-methylethyl chlorocarbonate | 29151300 | 108-23-6 | C4H7CIO2 |
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2. Where does 1-methylethyl chlorocarbonate originate from in the production process?
During the production process, this compound can arise from various sources. It typically appears in chemical synthesis processes involving reactions between substances containing alkyl and chlorocarbonate groups. This process is mainly carried out in chemical plants where organic compounds are converted into other products, including polymers, plastics, and other organic compounds.
This compound can also be generated in the production processes of chemical additives, pharmaceuticals, or in the paint and surface coating industry. In an industrial environment, it is primarily used as a reactant to create other substances during synthesis.

3. Industries that use 1-methylethyl chlorocarbonate in production
1-methylethyl chlorocarbonate is widely used in several chemical and material manufacturing industries. In the polymer industry, it plays a crucial role in producing special plastics and polymers, which have applications in many fields such as packaging, building materials, and electronic components. This compound is also involved in the synthesis of ester compounds, which are used in the production of detergents, deodorizers, and other chemical products.
In addition, 1-methylethyl chlorocarbonate is also used in the pharmaceutical industry to synthesize some complex organic compounds. In the paint and surface coating industry, this compound is used to create special types of paint that are abrasion-resistant and environmentally durable. Furthermore, it also appears in the production processes of chemical additives, plasticizers, and in the dye and pigment manufacturing industry.
4. How does 1-methylethyl chlorocarbonate affect workers?
When workers are exposed to this compound, they can face many health problems, especially in a production environment without appropriate protective measures. This compound can cause severe irritation to the respiratory system, leading to symptoms such as coughing, difficulty breathing, and bronchitis. People with long-term exposure to this chemical can suffer severe effects on their lungs and respiratory system, increasing the risk of diseases like pneumonia or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
In addition, when in direct contact with the skin or eyes, this compound can cause allergic reactions, inflammation, or severe irritation, leading to skin redness, itching, and conjunctivitis. This chemical can also harm the nervous system, causing dizziness, headaches, and neurological problems with excessive exposure. In some cases, if a large amount is inhaled, this compound can cause poisoning, affecting the function of vital organs in the body such as the liver and kidneys.
5. Permissible safe concentration of 1-methylethyl chlorocarbonate for human exposure
The safe concentration of 1-methylethyl chlorocarbonate for human exposure depends on the regulations and standards of health and occupational safety agencies. According to international organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the maximum permissible exposure level of this compound in the workplace air is usually specified as a threshold value in ppm (parts per million). However, these specific values may vary depending on the country and local regulations.

At a basic level, if working in an industrial environment, it is important to comply with safety standards and limit exposure to Isopropyl chloroformate. Organizations such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in the United States provide guidelines and safety principles to protect workers from the negative effects of chemical substances.
6. Measures to minimize the health effects of 1-methylethyl chlorocarbonate on workers
To minimize the health effects of 1-methylethyl chlorocarbonate on workers, protective and preventive measures must be strictly implemented in the work environment. One of the most important measures is to use an effective ventilation system. Factories or production facilities can install natural or mechanical ventilation systems to ensure the air in the work area is always clean and fresh, helping to reduce the concentration of the chemical in the air.
Besides that, the use of personal protective equipment is very important. Workers should wear respirators or masks for chemical vapors, gloves, and safety goggles to protect their bodies from direct contact with the chemical. This protective equipment not only helps prevent the chemical from entering the body through the respiratory tract, skin, or eyes but also helps minimize the risk of occupational diseases.
In addition, factories need to organize training programs for workers on the potential risks of exposure to 1-methylethyl chlorocarbonate and how to use protective equipment correctly. This helps to raise awareness and skills for preventing health risks in the work environment. Regular health check-ups and timely medical measures upon detecting signs of impact are also a crucial part of the strategy to protect workers’ health.
Occupational safety training: Workers need to be trained and educated on the risks and safety measures when working with this type of chemical. This training should be provided periodically and regularly to ensure understanding and proper compliance with safety rules.
Periodically conduct workplace environment monitoring in factories and enterprises, collecting and analyzing factors harmful to workers, thereby adjusting to reduce hazard levels to prevent occupational diseases for them.
7. National Workplace Environment Monitoring Center
Nam Viet’s Workplace Environment Monitoring Center is a professional unit specializing in monitoring and measuring the quality of the working environment across all provinces in Vietnam. With a team of experienced monitoring specialists, the center uses modern measuring equipment, ensuring accuracy and reliability.
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In addition to providing monitoring services, the center also assists clients in planning, handling, and tracking workplace environment issues. With the motto “the customer is the center,” the center focuses on customer satisfaction, meeting all customer needs, and is committed to providing the best solutions for businesses.
With investment in techniques, technology, and human resources, Nam Viet’s monitoring center has become one of the reputable units in the field of workplace environment monitoring in Ho Chi Minh City with the following objectives:
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- With a team of experienced Masters and Engineers with a desire to protect the environment and benefit businesses.

- With Nam Viet’s Environmental Monitoring team, your company will receive professional service from experts in the monitoring field. At the same time, you will get the best cost incentives.
8. Quotation for workplace environment monitoring
To help businesses conduct workplace environment monitoring professionally and effectively, Nam Viet offers our valued customers a price list for quality and reasonably priced workplace environment monitoring services.
- Our quotation provides detailed information on the prices of the monitoring services we offer. This includes costs related to travel, measurement, analysis, and reporting of results. Customers can be completely assured of the accuracy and reliability of the monitoring result reports we provide.
- We are committed to always offering the most competitive and reasonable prices on the market, and we are also always ready to provide advice and answer any questions about our monitoring services quickly and professionally.
- With Nam Viet’s quotation, customers can easily choose service packages that suit their needs. We are committed to bringing our customers the highest satisfaction with professional quality service.

