P

Phosphorus oxychloride

IUPAC: phosphoryl trichloride

POCl3 Laboratory Reagents CAS 10025-87-3
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Quick Reference
Formula / NotationPOCl3
CAS Number10025-87-3
Molecular Weight153.33
Melting Point34.2 °F (EPA, 1998)
Boiling Point223 °F at 760 mmHg (EPA, 1998)
Density1.645 at 77 °F (EPA, 1998) - Denser than water; will sink
SolubilityDecomposes (NIOSH, 2024)
AppearancePhosphorus oxychloride appears as a colorless fuming liquid with a pungent odor. Density 14.0 lb / gal. Very toxic by inhalation and corrosive to metals and tissue. Used in gasoline additives and h...
Also Known Asphosphoryl trichloride; Phosphoryl chloride; 10025-87-3; Phosphoryl trichloride; Phosphoric trichloride; Phosphorous oxychloride; Trichlorophosphine oxide; Phosphorus oxytrichloride; Phosphoroxychloride; Fosforoxychlorid
CategoryLaboratory Reagents

What is Phosphorus oxychloride?

Phosphorus oxychloride (POCl3) is a laboratory reagent that appears as Phosphorus oxychloride appears as a colorless fuming liquid with a pungent odor. Density 14.0 lb / gal. Very toxic by inhalation and corrosive to metals and tissue. Used in gasoline additives and h.... It has a molecular weight of 153.33 g/mol. Its IUPAC name is phosphoryl trichloride. Boiling point: 223 °F at 760 mmHg (EPA, 1998). Melting point: 34.2 °F (EPA, 1998).

Formula & Notation

POCl3

IUPAC Name: phosphoryl trichloride

Other Names / Synonyms: phosphoryl trichloride; Phosphoryl chloride; 10025-87-3; Phosphoryl trichloride; Phosphoric trichloride; Phosphorous oxychloride; Trichlorophosphine oxide; Phosphorus oxytrichloride; Phosphoroxychloride; Fosforoxychlorid

Properties & Characteristics

Appearance: Phosphorus oxychloride appears as a colorless fuming liquid with a pungent odor. Density 14.0 lb / gal. Very toxic by inhalation and corrosive to metals and tissue. Used in gasoline additives and h.... Molecular formula: Cl3OP. Molecular weight: 153.33 g/mol. Boiling point: 223 °F at 760 mmHg (EPA, 1998). Melting point: 34.2 °F (EPA, 1998). Density: 1.645 at 77 °F (EPA, 1998) - Denser than water; will sink. Solubility: Decomposes (NIOSH, 2024). Vapor pressure: 40 mmHg at 81.14 °F (EPA, 1998). LogP: 1.7.

Physical Data

PropertyValue
Melting Point34.2 °F (EPA, 1998)
Boiling Point223 °F at 760 mmHg (EPA, 1998)
Density1.645 at 77 °F (EPA, 1998) - Denser than water; will sink
Molecular Weight153.33
SolubilityDecomposes (NIOSH, 2024)
AppearancePhosphorus oxychloride appears as a colorless fuming liquid with a pungent odor. Density 14.0 lb / gal. Very toxic by inhalation and corrosive to metals and tissue. Used in gasoline additives and h...

Uses & Applications

Used as a synthetic reagent for transformations including oxidation, reduction, coupling, or functional group manipulation.

Safety Information

Hazardous reagent. May be toxic, corrosive, flammable, or reactive. Use in fume hood with full PPE. Consult SDS before use.

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

Key Facts

Term Phosphorus oxychloride
Formula POCl3
CAS Number 10025-87-3
Molecular Weight 153.33
Synonyms phosphoryl trichloride; Phosphoryl chloride; 10025-87-3; Phosphoryl trichloride; Phosphoric trichloride; Phosphorous oxychloride; Trichlorophosphine oxide; Phosphorus oxytrichloride; Phosphoroxychloride; Fosforoxychlorid

Frequently Asked Questions

Phosphorus oxychloride (POCl3) is a laboratory reagent that appears as Phosphorus oxychloride appears as a colorless fuming liquid with a pungent odor. Density 14.0 lb / gal. Very toxic by inhalation and corrosive to metals and tissue. Used in gasoline additives and h.... It has a molecular weight of 153.33 g/mol. Its IUPAC name is phosphoryl trichloride. Boiling point: 223 °F at 760 mmHg (EPA, 1998). Melting point: 34.2 °F (EPA, 1998).

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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.