Title:  Pyrocarbonic Acid Diethyl Ester 
CAS Registry Number:  1609-47-8 
CAS Name:  Dicarbonic acid diethyl ester 
Additional Names:  oxydiformic acid diethyl ester;  diethyl pyrocarbonate;  diethyl oxydiformate;  DEPC 
Manufacturers' Codes:  Ue-5908 
Trademarks:  Baycovin 
Molecular Formula:  C6H10O5 
Molecular Weight:  162.14 
Percent Composition:  C 44.45%, H 6.22%, O 49.34% 
Line Formula:  C2H5OOCOCOOC2H5 
Literature References:  Prepd according to the equation R1OOCCl + NaOCOOR2 ® R1OOCOCOOR2 + NaCl:  Kovalenko, Zh. Obshch. Khim. 22, 1546 (1952); Thoma, Rinke, Ann. 624, 30 (1959); alternate method:  Degering et al., J. Am. Pharm. Assoc. Sci. Ed. 39, 626 (1950).  Review:  Handbook of Food Additives, T. A. Furia, Ed. (Chemical Rubber Co., Cleveland, 1968) pp 181-185. 
Properties:  Viscous liquid.  Fruity odor.  d420 1.12.  Viscosity at 20° = 1.97 cP.  Soluble in alcohols, esters, ketones, hydrocarbons.  A 50% w/w soln in ethanol may be prepd.  Slowly sol in water with hydrolytic decompn yielding ethanol and CO2. 
Density:  d420 1.12 
CAUTION:  Concd DEPC is irritating to eyes, mucous membranes and skin. 
Use:  Gentle esterifying agent.  Preservative for wines, soft drinks, fruit juices.   |