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Chemical name: Phosphorus Oxychloride Common synonyms: Phosphoryl Chloride CAS number: 10025-87-3 Appearance: Colorless to pale yellow fuming liquid Odor: Pungent, irritating Molecular formula: POCl3 Molecular weight: 153.33 g/mol
Hazard classes: Highly corrosive, toxic by inhalation, skin contact and ingestion Hazard symbols: Corrosive, toxic Health risks: Severe burns to skin, eyes, lungs; respiratory tract damage; risk of pulmonary edema Environmental impact: Harmful to aquatic life through water contamination Specific effects: Violent reaction with water, releasing hydrochloric acid and heat
Active substance: Phosphorus Oxychloride, purity typically above 99% Impurities: Traces of hydrochloric acid, phosphorus trichloride No listed stabilizers or additives in typical technical grade
Inhalation: Move person to fresh air immediately, keep at rest, seek emergency medical attention Skin contact: Remove contaminated clothing, flush skin with copious running water for at least 15 minutes, seek prompt medical care Eye contact: Rinse with water for at least 20 minutes, hold eyelids apart, get urgent ophthalmologic intervention Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting, rinse mouth, give plenty of water only if person is conscious, go to emergency services Always prioritize rapid professional medical intervention due to potential for delayed respiratory effects
Suitable extinguishing agents: Dry chemical, carbon dioxide, do not use water directly due to violent reaction Combustion hazards: Releases toxic gases including phosphoryl chloride fumes, hydrochloric acid, and phosphorus oxides Protective equipment: Full protective suit with self-contained breathing apparatus Fire-fighting advice: Use remote spray or fog only for cooling; approaching fire requires extreme caution as water contact intensifies hazard
Personal precautions: Evacuate area, eliminate all ignition sources, ventilate space Spill control: Absorb onto dry, inert material like sand or earth; never use sawdust, combustibles, or water Containment: Prevent from entering waterways or drains, use non-combustible barriers Cleanup method: Place absorbed material in chemical waste drums for specialized disposal PPE: Wear acid-resistant gloves, goggles, chemical suit, and respiratory protection
Handling: Only work with POCl3 inside a chemical fume hood, use sealed equipment where possible Avoid contact: Water, moisture, incompatible chemicals (strong bases, organic matter, metals) Storage conditions: Store in tightly sealed containers made of glass or resistant plastic, in a dry, cool, ventilated area away from direct sunlight Storage hazards: Fumes corrode metals and degrade common plastics; any moisture causes pressure buildup Labeling: Keep containers clearly marked; restrict access to experienced personnel
Workplace limits: OSHA and ACGIH recommend exposure threshold limit values (TLV) of 0.1 mg/m3 as an 8-hour time-weighted average Controls: Closed systems, local exhaust ventilation, regular air monitoring Personal protective gear: Chemical-resistant gloves (butyl rubber, nitrile), goggles or full-face shield, fitted chemical suit, positive pressure respirator for emergency or spill response Hygiene measures: Wash thoroughly after handling, remove contaminated clothing immediately
Physical form: Liquid at room temperature Color: Clear to lightly yellow Melting point: 1.3°C Boiling point: 105.8°C Vapor pressure: Significant at room temperature, causing fuming in air Solubility in water: Violent decomposition, forms phosphoric acid and hydrogen chloride gas Density: About 1.68 g/cm3 at 20°C
Chemical stability: Stable only in airtight, dry conditions Reacts with: Water and alcohols (forms acid gases, heat); strong bases; many metals Decomposition products: Phosphoric acid, hydrogen chloride gas Hazardous polymerization: Does not occur Conditions to avoid: Moisture, high temperature, incompatible chemicals
Exposure routes: Inhalation, skin absorption, ingestion, eye contact Immediate effects: Severe irritation, burns, destruction of tissue Long-term risks: Chronic exposure can cause respiratory illness, risk of delayed lung damage Lethality: Reported acute toxicity (LD50 oral, rat) ranges 550 mg/kg Other effects: Risk of systemic poisoning through skin contact, especially with prolonged or repeated exposure
Environmental effects: Highly toxic to aquatic life; releases acidifying and toxic products in water Degradation: Hydrolyzes rapidly, but breakdown products themselves are hazardous Bioaccumulation: Unlikely because of strong reactivity, but acute effects on microorganisms are reported Spill consequences: Contaminates soil, poses risk to water tables through corrosion and persistent acidity
Disposal method: Specialized hazardous waste incineration or neutralization under controlled conditions by professionals Avoid: Draining to sewer, landfill, or regular trash due to water reactivity and toxicity Empty containers: Must be triple-rinsed using neutralizing solutions, then handled as hazardous waste Legal compliance: Follow national and local chemical disposal regulations strictly
UN number: Classified as hazardous goods under UN 1809 Hazard class: 8 (corrosive substances) Packing group: I (highest hazard) Labeling requirements: Corrosive, toxic symbols; clearly marked shipping containers Transport advice: Only trained carriers, with emergency measures and spill kits on board
Workplace safety: Subject to strict guidelines under OSHA in the US, EU REACH, and related chemical safety laws worldwide Reporting requirements: Large-scale users or transporters must report inventories and accidents to local safety authorities Exposure limits: Enforced by agencies such as OSHA, NIOSH, EU ECHA Laboratory use: Must follow institutional protocols, chemical hygiene plans, and keep thorough records of storage and training
