Nerve Agent Precursor: Phosphorus oxychloride

Home	News	History	General	Links	Bookstore
Biological Gateway		Chemical Gateway		Radiological Gateway

Nerve Agent Precursor: Phosphorus oxychloride

CA Index Name	Phosphoric trichloride
CAS Registry Number	10025-87-3	RTECS Number	TH4897000
EINECS Number	233-046-7	UN Transport Codes	1810
ICSC Number	0190
CWC Schedule 3

Warning symbols

Toxic

Synonyms:

Phosphonyl trichloride
Phosphoric chloride
Phosphoroxytrichloride
Phosphorus chloride oxide
Phosphoryl chloride
Phosphoryl trichloride
Trichlorophosphine oxide
Trichlorophosphorus oxide

CHEMICAL AND PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

Structural Formula

Colorless/slightly yellow liquid at STP
Molecular Formula	POCl₃	Molecular Weight	153.32
Boiling Point	105.8°	Melting Point	1.25°
Vapor Density	5.3	Liquid Density	1.65
Vapor pressure	5.3 kPa 27.3°C
Nonflammable

NFPA Hazard Ratings
FIRE 0	HEALTH 3	REACTIVITY 2	SPECIAL Water Reactive

Also refer to 2000 Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG2000) Guide 137.

Initial Isolation and Protective Action Distances
	SMALL RELEASE (small package/leaking container)
	First ISOLATE in all directions	Then PROTECT persons downwind during
		DAY	NIGHT
Spill on Land	30 m (100 ft)	0.2 km (0.1 mi)	0.5 km (0.3 mi)
Spill on Water	30 m (100 ft)	0.2 km (0.1 mi)	0.3 km (0.2 mi)
	LARGE RELEASE (large package/multiple small packages)
	First ISOLATE in all directions	Then PROTECT persons downwind during
		DAY	NIGHT
Spill on Land	95 m (300 ft)	0.8 km (0.5 mi)	1.8 km (1.1 mi)
Spill on Water	95 m (300 ft)	1.0 km (0.6 mi)	2.6 km (1.6 mi)