Phosphorus pentachloride

Chemical properties

Phosphorus pentachloride is a pale yellow, fuming solid with an odor like hydrochloric acid.162℃ sublimation and partial decomposition. All decomposed into chlorine gas and phosphorus trichloride at 300℃. Soluble in carbon disulfide, carbon tetrachloride. Decomposed in water, hydrolyzed in moist air into phosphoric acid and hydrogen chloride, white smoke and special irritating odor occur, strongly irritate the eyes.

The Uses of Phosphorus pentachloride

Phosphorus pentachloride is used as a chlorinating agent to convert acids into acid chlorides, as a dehydrating agent, and as a catalyst.

The Uses of Phosphorus pentachloride

As catalyst in manufacture of acetylcellulose; for replacing hydroxyl groups by Cl, particularly for converting acids into acid chlorides.

Definition

ChEBI: Phosphorus pentachloride is a phosphorus halide.

General Description

Phosphorus pentachloride is a greenish-yellow crystalline solid with an irritating odor. Phosphorus pentachloride is decomposed by water to form hydrochloric and phosphoric acid and heat. This heat may be sufficient to ignite surrounding combustible material. Phosphorus pentachloride is corrosive to metals and tissue. Long term exposure to low concentrations or short term exposure to high concentrations can result in adverse health effects from inhalation.

Reactivity Profile

Phosphorus pentachloride is a lightly yellow, fuming crystalline material, highly caustic, corrosive and toxic. Flammable by chemical reaction. Violent exothermic reaction with water or steam. When heated to decomposition Phosphorus pentachloride emits highly toxic fumes of chlorides and oxides of phosphorus. Explosive reaction with alkaline metals (sodium, potassium), urea. Ignites on contact with fluorine. Violent reaction with aluminum, chlorine trioxide, hydroxylamine, magnesium oxide, nitrobenzene, phosphorus(III) oxide, potassium. Carbamates form explosive products [Bretherick, 5th ed., 1995, p. 1360]. Reaction with the mixture of chlorine and chlorine dioxide causes explosion [Mellor, 1941, vol. 2, p. 281; 1940, vol. 8, p. 1013].

Health Hazard

Phosphorus pentachloride vapors are a strong irritant to the eyes and mucous membranes. Contact with skin can cause acid burns, as it reacts readily with moisture to form hydrochloric and phosphoric acids:
PCl5＋4H2O→ H3PO4＋5HCl
Chronic exposure to this compound can result in bronchitis.
LC50 value, inhalation (rats): 205 mg (24 ppm)/m³ (NIOSH 1986).

Flammability and Explosibility

Non flammable

Safety Profile

Poison by inhalation. Moderately toxic by ingestion. A severe eye, skin, and mucous membrane irritant. Corrosive to body tissues. Flammable by chemical reaction. Explosive reaction with chlorine dioxide + chlorine, sodium, urea + heat. Reacts to form explosive products with carbamates, 3'-methy-2-nitrobenzanilide (product explodes on contact with air). Ignites on contact with fluorine. Reacts violently with moisture, ClO3, hydroxyl- amine, magnesium oxide, nitrobenzene, phosphorus(Ⅲ) oxide, K. To fight fire, use CO2, dry chemical. Incompatible with aluminum, chlorine dioxide, chlorine,diphosphorus trioxide, fluorine, hydroxylamine, magnesium oxide, 3'-methyl- 2-nitrobenzanilide, nitrobenzene, sodium, urea, water. Will react with water or steam to produce heat and toxic and corrosive fumes. Used as a catalyst, chlorinating and dehydrating agent. When heated to decomposition it emits highly toxic fumes of Cland POx.

Potential Exposure

Phosphorus pentachloride is used as a as a chlorinating and dehydrating agent and as a catalyst. It is used in the manufacture of agricultural chemicals;chlorinated compounds; gasoline additives, plasticizers and surfactants; and in pharmaceutical manufacture

Shipping

UN1806 Phosphorus pentachloride, Hazard class: 8; Labels: 8-Corrosive material.

Purification Methods

[All operations should be carried out in an efficient fume cupboard.] Sublime it at 160-170o in an atmosphere of chlorine. Excess chlorine is then displaced by dry N2 gas. All subsequent manipulations should be performed in a dry-box [Downs & Johnson J Am Chem Soc 77 2098 1955]. It fumes in moist air and attacks the eyes and the mucous membranes of the nose. It should not be breathed in and has very HARMFUL VAPOURS (wash burning eyes with aqueous NaHCO3).

Incompatibilities

Phosphorus pentachloride is a powerful oxidizer. Reacts with water (violent), magnesium oxide, chemically active metals, such as sodium and potassium, alkalis, amines, carbamates, aluminum powder, combustibles, fluorine, phosphorus pentoxide, phosphorus trioxide, and many other substances. Hydrolyzes in water (even in humid air) to form hydrochloric acid and phosphoric acid. Corrosive to many metals, forming flammable and explosive hydrogen gas. Attacks plastic and rubber.

Waste Disposal

Decompose with water, forming phosphoric and hydrochloric acids. Neutralize acids and dilute if necessary for discharge into the sewer system.