P

Phosphorus pentachloride

IUPAC: pentachloro-lambda5-phosphane

PCl5 Inorganic Compounds CAS 10026-13-8
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Quick Reference
Formula / NotationPCl5
CAS Number10026-13-8
Molecular Weight208.2
Melting Point(decomposes) 298 °F (under pressure) sublimes at about 212 °F without melting (EPA, 1998)
Boiling Point320 °F at 760 mmHg (EPA, 1998)
Density3.6 (NIOSH, 2024) - Denser than water; will sink
SolubilityReacts with water (NIOSH, 2024)
AppearancePhosphorus pentachloride is a greenish-yellow crystalline solid with an irritating odor. It is decomposed by water to form hydrochloric and phosphoric acid and heat. This heat may be sufficient to ...
Also Known Aspentachloro-lambda5-phosphane; 10026-13-8; Phosphorus(V) chloride; Pentachlorophosphorane; Phosphorane, pentachloro-; Phosphoric chloride; Phosphorus perchloride; PCl5; Phosphorous pentachloride; Phosphorpentachlorid
CategoryInorganic Compounds

What is Phosphorus pentachloride?

Phosphorus pentachloride (PCl5) is an inorganic compound that appears as Phosphorus pentachloride is a greenish-yellow crystalline solid with an irritating odor. It is decomposed by water to form hydrochloric and phosphoric acid and heat. This heat may be sufficient to .... It has a molecular weight of 208.2 g/mol. Its IUPAC name is pentachloro-lambda5-phosphane. Boiling point: 320 °F at 760 mmHg (EPA, 1998). Melting point: (decomposes) 298 °F (under pressure) sublimes at about 212 °F without melting (EPA, 1998).

Formula & Notation

PCl5

IUPAC Name: pentachloro-lambda5-phosphane

Other Names / Synonyms: pentachloro-lambda5-phosphane; 10026-13-8; Phosphorus(V) chloride; Pentachlorophosphorane; Phosphorane, pentachloro-; Phosphoric chloride; Phosphorus perchloride; PCl5; Phosphorous pentachloride; Phosphorpentachlorid

Properties & Characteristics

Appearance: Phosphorus pentachloride is a greenish-yellow crystalline solid with an irritating odor. It is decomposed by water to form hydrochloric and phosphoric acid and heat. This heat may be sufficient to .... Molecular formula: Cl5P. Molecular weight: 208.2 g/mol. Boiling point: 320 °F at 760 mmHg (EPA, 1998). Melting point: (decomposes) 298 °F (under pressure) sublimes at about 212 °F without melting (EPA, 1998). Density: 3.6 (NIOSH, 2024) - Denser than water; will sink. Solubility: Reacts with water (NIOSH, 2024). Vapor pressure: 1 mmHg at 131.9 °F (EPA, 1998). LogP: 3.9.

Physical Data

PropertyValue
Melting Point(decomposes) 298 °F (under pressure) sublimes at about 212 °F without melting (EPA, 1998)
Boiling Point320 °F at 760 mmHg (EPA, 1998)
Density3.6 (NIOSH, 2024) - Denser than water; will sink
Molecular Weight208.2
SolubilityReacts with water (NIOSH, 2024)
AppearancePhosphorus pentachloride is a greenish-yellow crystalline solid with an irritating odor. It is decomposed by water to form hydrochloric and phosphoric acid and heat. This heat may be sufficient to ...

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 Phosphorus pentachloride
Formula PCl5
CAS Number 10026-13-8
Molecular Weight 208.2
Synonyms pentachloro-lambda5-phosphane; 10026-13-8; Phosphorus(V) chloride; Pentachlorophosphorane; Phosphorane, pentachloro-; Phosphoric chloride; Phosphorus perchloride; PCl5; Phosphorous pentachloride; Phosphorpentachlorid

Frequently Asked Questions

Phosphorus pentachloride (PCl5) is an inorganic compound that appears as Phosphorus pentachloride is a greenish-yellow crystalline solid with an irritating odor. It is decomposed by water to form hydrochloric and phosphoric acid and heat. This heat may be sufficient to .... It has a molecular weight of 208.2 g/mol. Its IUPAC name is pentachloro-lambda5-phosphane. Boiling point: 320 °F at 760 mmHg (EPA, 1998). Melting point: (decomposes) 298 °F (under pressure) sublimes at about 212 °F without melting (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.