T

Thionyl chloride

IUPAC: thionyl dichloride

SOCl2 Laboratory Reagents CAS 7719-09-7
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Quick Reference
Formula / NotationSOCl2
CAS Number7719-09-7
Molecular Weight118.97
Melting Point-156 °F (NIOSH, 2024)
Boiling Point169 °F at 760 mmHg (NIOSH, 2024)
Density1.64 (NIOSH, 2024) - Denser than water; will sink
SolubilityReacts with water (NIOSH, 2024)
AppearanceThionyl chloride appears as a colorless to yellow fuming liquid with a suffocating pungent odor. Boiling point 79 °C. A lachrymator. Highly corrosive and toxic. Long-term inhalation of low concent...
Also Known Asthionyl dichloride; Thionyl dichloride; 7719-09-7; Sulfinyl chloride; Sulfurous dichloride; Sulfurous oxychloride; Sulfinyl dichloride; Sulfur oxychloride; Sulfur chloride oxide; Sulfur chloride oxide (Cl2SO)
CategoryLaboratory Reagents

What is Thionyl chloride?

Thionyl chloride is a sulfinyl halide in which both of the halide atoms are chorines. It is a chlorine molecular entity and a sulfinyl halide.

Formula & Notation

SOCl2

IUPAC Name: thionyl dichloride

Other Names / Synonyms: thionyl dichloride; Thionyl dichloride; 7719-09-7; Sulfinyl chloride; Sulfurous dichloride; Sulfurous oxychloride; Sulfinyl dichloride; Sulfur oxychloride; Sulfur chloride oxide; Sulfur chloride oxide (Cl2SO)

Properties & Characteristics

Appearance: Thionyl chloride appears as a colorless to yellow fuming liquid with a suffocating pungent odor. Boiling point 79 °C. A lachrymator. Highly corrosive and toxic. Long-term inhalation of low concent.... Molecular formula: Cl2OS. Molecular weight: 118.97 g/mol. Boiling point: 169 °F at 760 mmHg (NIOSH, 2024). Melting point: -156 °F (NIOSH, 2024). Density: 1.64 (NIOSH, 2024) - Denser than water; will sink. Solubility: Reacts with water (NIOSH, 2024). Vapor pressure: 100 mmHg at 70 °F (NIOSH, 2024). LogP: 1.5.

Physical Data

PropertyValue
Melting Point-156 °F (NIOSH, 2024)
Boiling Point169 °F at 760 mmHg (NIOSH, 2024)
Density1.64 (NIOSH, 2024) - Denser than water; will sink
Molecular Weight118.97
SolubilityReacts with water (NIOSH, 2024)
AppearanceThionyl chloride appears as a colorless to yellow fuming liquid with a suffocating pungent odor. Boiling point 79 °C. A lachrymator. Highly corrosive and toxic. Long-term inhalation of low concent...

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 Thionyl chloride
Formula SOCl2
CAS Number 7719-09-7
Molecular Weight 118.97
Synonyms thionyl dichloride; Thionyl dichloride; 7719-09-7; Sulfinyl chloride; Sulfurous dichloride; Sulfurous oxychloride; Sulfinyl dichloride; Sulfur oxychloride; Sulfur chloride oxide; Sulfur chloride oxide (Cl2SO)

Frequently Asked Questions

Thionyl chloride is a sulfinyl halide in which both of the halide atoms are chorines. It is a chlorine molecular entity and a sulfinyl halide.

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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.