Phosphorus oxybromide

Chemical properties

colorless to grey-brown crystals or fused mass

The Uses of Phosphorus oxybromide

Phosphorus(V) Oxybromide is a reagent used in the preparation of phosphoryl halide for N-protection of amino acids using group assisted purification (GAP). Phosphorus(V) Oxybromide is a brominating agent.

The Uses of Phosphorus oxybromide

Phosphorus(V) oxybromide may be used as brominating reagent in the synthesis of 2,4,6-tribromopyrimidine. It may be used in the preparation of bromoheterocyclic compounds.

General Description

A colorless crystalline solid or liquid if heated above 133° F with a pungent odor. Phosphorus oxybromide is commonly heated and shipped in a molten state. Soluble in water, but, decomposed by water to hydrobromic and phosphoric acid with evolution of heat. Reacts with organic materials to cause fire. Evolves highly toxic and corrosive gases when exposed to fire. Corrosive to metals and tissue. Used to make other chemicals.

Reactivity Profile

Phosphorus oxybromide is incompatible with water, strong oxidizing agents, alcohols, bases, including amines. May react vigorously or explosively if mixed with diisopropyl ether or other ethers in the presence of trace amounts of metal salts [J. Haz. Mat., 1981, 4, 291].

Health Hazard

CORROSIVE and/or TOXIC; inhalation, ingestion or contact (skin, eyes) with vapors, dusts or substance may cause severe injury, burns or death. Fire will produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Reaction with water may generate much heat that will increase the concentration of fumes in the air. Contact with molten substance may cause severe burns to skin and eyes. Runoff from fire control or dilution water may cause pollution.

Fire Hazard

EXCEPT FOR ACETIC ANHYDRIDE (UN1715), THAT IS FLAMMABLE, some of these materials may burn, but none ignite readily. May ignite combustibles (wood, paper, oil, clothing, etc.). Substance will react with water (some violently), releasing corrosive and/or toxic gases and runoff. Flammable/toxic gases may accumulate in confined areas (basement, tanks, hopper/tank cars, etc.). Contact with metals may evolve flammable hydrogen gas. Containers may explode when heated or if contaminated with water. Substance may be transported in a molten form.

Safety Profile

Poison by ingestion, inhalation, and shin contact. A corrosive irritant to skin, eyes, and mucous membranes. A corrosive material. Reacts with steam, water to produce much heat with toxic fumes. When heated to decomposition it emits very toxic fumes of Brand POx. See also BROMIDES.