P

Phosphorus trichloride

IUPAC: trichlorophosphane

PCl3 Inorganic Compounds CAS 7719-12-2
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Quick Reference
Formula / NotationPCl3
CAS Number7719-12-2
Molecular Weight137.33
Melting Point-170 °F (EPA, 1998)
Boiling Point169 °F at 760 mmHg (EPA, 1998)
Density1.574 at 69.8 °F (EPA, 1998) - Denser than water; will sink
SolubilityReacts with water (NIOSH, 2024)
AppearancePhosphorus trichloride appears as a colorless or slightly yellow fuming liquid with a pungent and irritating odor resembling that of hydrochloric acid. Causes severe burns to skin, eyes and mucous ...
Also Known Astrichlorophosphane; 7719-12-2; Trichlorophosphine; Phosphorous trichloride; Phosphorous chloride; Phosphine, trichloro-; Fosfortrichloride; Phosphortrichlorid; Trojchlorek fosforu; Phosphorus chloride (PCl3)
CategoryInorganic Compounds

What is Phosphorus trichloride?

Phosphorus trichloride (PCl3) is an inorganic compound that appears as Phosphorus trichloride appears as a colorless or slightly yellow fuming liquid with a pungent and irritating odor resembling that of hydrochloric acid. Causes severe burns to skin, eyes and mucous .... It has a molecular weight of 137.33 g/mol. Its IUPAC name is trichlorophosphane. Boiling point: 169 °F at 760 mmHg (EPA, 1998). Melting point: -170 °F (EPA, 1998).

Formula & Notation

PCl3

IUPAC Name: trichlorophosphane

Other Names / Synonyms: trichlorophosphane; 7719-12-2; Trichlorophosphine; Phosphorous trichloride; Phosphorous chloride; Phosphine, trichloro-; Fosfortrichloride; Phosphortrichlorid; Trojchlorek fosforu; Phosphorus chloride (PCl3)

Properties & Characteristics

Appearance: Phosphorus trichloride appears as a colorless or slightly yellow fuming liquid with a pungent and irritating odor resembling that of hydrochloric acid. Causes severe burns to skin, eyes and mucous .... Molecular formula: Cl3P. Molecular weight: 137.33 g/mol. Boiling point: 169 °F at 760 mmHg (EPA, 1998). Melting point: -170 °F (EPA, 1998). Density: 1.574 at 69.8 °F (EPA, 1998) - Denser than water; will sink. Solubility: Reacts with water (NIOSH, 2024). Vapor pressure: 100 mmHg at 69.8 °F (EPA, 1998). LogP: 2.3.

Physical Data

PropertyValue
Melting Point-170 °F (EPA, 1998)
Boiling Point169 °F at 760 mmHg (EPA, 1998)
Density1.574 at 69.8 °F (EPA, 1998) - Denser than water; will sink
Molecular Weight137.33
SolubilityReacts with water (NIOSH, 2024)
AppearancePhosphorus trichloride appears as a colorless or slightly yellow fuming liquid with a pungent and irritating odor resembling that of hydrochloric acid. Causes severe burns to skin, eyes and mucous ...

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 trichloride
Formula PCl3
CAS Number 7719-12-2
Molecular Weight 137.33
Synonyms trichlorophosphane; 7719-12-2; Trichlorophosphine; Phosphorous trichloride; Phosphorous chloride; Phosphine, trichloro-; Fosfortrichloride; Phosphortrichlorid; Trojchlorek fosforu; Phosphorus chloride (PCl3)

Frequently Asked Questions

Phosphorus trichloride (PCl3) is an inorganic compound that appears as Phosphorus trichloride appears as a colorless or slightly yellow fuming liquid with a pungent and irritating odor resembling that of hydrochloric acid. Causes severe burns to skin, eyes and mucous .... It has a molecular weight of 137.33 g/mol. Its IUPAC name is trichlorophosphane. Boiling point: 169 °F at 760 mmHg (EPA, 1998). Melting point: -170 °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.