P

Phosgene

IUPAC: carbonyl dichloride

CCl2O Inorganic Compounds CAS 75-44-5
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Quick Reference
Formula / NotationCCl2O
CAS Number75-44-5
Molecular Weight98.91
Melting Point-180 °F (EPA, 1998)
Boiling Point47 °F at 760 mmHg (EPA, 1998)
Density1.432 at 32 °F (EPA, 1998) - Denser than water; will sink
SolubilityVery slightly soluble (NTP, 1992)
AppearancePhosgene appears as a chemical warfare choking agent. Extremely toxic. A colorless gas or very low-boiling, volatile liquid with an odor of new-mown hay or green corn. Warning properties of the gas...
Also Known Ascarbonyl dichloride; Carbonyl dichloride; Carbonic dichloride; Phosgen; Carbon oxychloride; Chloroformyl chloride; Carbonic chloride; 75-44-5; Carbonylchlorid; Fosgeen
CategoryInorganic Compounds

What is Phosgene?

Phosgene is an acyl chloride obtained by substitution of both hydrogens of formaldehyde by chlorine. It is functionally related to a formaldehyde.

Formula & Notation

CCl2O

IUPAC Name: carbonyl dichloride

Other Names / Synonyms: carbonyl dichloride; Carbonyl dichloride; Carbonic dichloride; Phosgen; Carbon oxychloride; Chloroformyl chloride; Carbonic chloride; 75-44-5; Carbonylchlorid; Fosgeen

Properties & Characteristics

Appearance: Phosgene appears as a chemical warfare choking agent. Extremely toxic. A colorless gas or very low-boiling, volatile liquid with an odor of new-mown hay or green corn. Warning properties of the gas.... Molecular formula: CCl2O. Molecular weight: 98.91 g/mol. Boiling point: 47 °F at 760 mmHg (EPA, 1998). Melting point: -180 °F (EPA, 1998). Density: 1.432 at 32 °F (EPA, 1998) - Denser than water; will sink. Solubility: Very slightly soluble (NTP, 1992). Vapor pressure: 1215 mmHg at 68 °F (EPA, 1998). LogP: 1.8.

Physical Data

PropertyValue
Melting Point-180 °F (EPA, 1998)
Boiling Point47 °F at 760 mmHg (EPA, 1998)
Density1.432 at 32 °F (EPA, 1998) - Denser than water; will sink
Molecular Weight98.91
SolubilityVery slightly soluble (NTP, 1992)
AppearancePhosgene appears as a chemical warfare choking agent. Extremely toxic. A colorless gas or very low-boiling, volatile liquid with an odor of new-mown hay or green corn. Warning properties of the gas...

Uses & Applications

Used in industrial processes, materials science, semiconductor manufacture, ceramics, or as a catalyst.

Safety Information

May be corrosive, toxic, or an oxidising agent. Handle in well-ventilated area. Consult SDS before use.

Always consult the SDS/MSDS before handling any chemical. This information is for educational purposes only.

Key Facts

Term Phosgene
Formula CCl2O
CAS Number 75-44-5
Molecular Weight 98.91
Synonyms carbonyl dichloride; Carbonyl dichloride; Carbonic dichloride; Phosgen; Carbon oxychloride; Chloroformyl chloride; Carbonic chloride; 75-44-5; Carbonylchlorid; Fosgeen

Frequently Asked Questions

Phosgene is an acyl chloride obtained by substitution of both hydrogens of formaldehyde by chlorine. It is functionally related to a formaldehyde.

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Editorial standards: Chemical data is sourced from peer-reviewed literature, CAS Registry, NIST WebBook, and PubChem. Safety information reflects guidance from OSHA, ECHA, and IAEA. For educational purposes only — always consult official SDS documentation and qualified professionals before handling chemicals.