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Why is formyl chloride unstable? I know it is just a combination of CO and HCl. But why it is unstable whereas other acyl chlorides are stable, like acetyl chloride?

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It is unlike other acyl chlorides as formyl chloride dissolves in water. At the same time, it reacts vigorously with it, and no other acyl chlorides produce carbon monoxide and hydrochloric acid.

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  • $\begingroup$ Can you explain the reason for its solubility in water? $\endgroup$ – user218102 Jan 6 '19 at 16:41
  • $\begingroup$ Because of its structure (HCOCl), there is hydrogen bonding between the H- atom and water. $\endgroup$ – TheSimpliFire Jan 6 '19 at 16:42

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