General Description
PHOSPHORUS PENTACHLORIDE(10026-13-8) is a greenish-yellow crystalline solid with an irritating odor. PHOSPHORUS PENTACHLORIDE(10026-13-8) is decomposed by water to form hydrochloric and phosphoric acid and heat. This heat may be sufficient to ignite surrounding combustible material. PHOSPHORUS PENTACHLORIDE(10026-13-8) is corrosive to metals and tissue. Long term exposure to low concentrations or short term exposure to high concentrations can result in adverse health effects from inhalation.
Reactivity Profile
PHOSPHORUS PENTACHLORIDE is a lightly yellow, fuming crystalline material, highly caustic, corrosive and toxic. Flammable by chemical reaction. Violent exothermic reaction with water or steam. When heated to decomposition PHOSPHORUS PENTACHLORIDE emits highly toxic fumes of chlorides and oxides of phosphorus. Explosive reaction with alkaline metals (sodium, potassium), urea. Ignites on contact with fluorine. Violent reaction with aluminum, chlorine trioxide, hydroxylamine, magnesium oxide, nitrobenzene, phosphorus(III) oxide, potassium. Carbamates form explosive products [Bretherick, 5th ed., 1995, p. 1360]. Reaction with the mixture of chlorine and chlorine dioxide causes explosion [Mellor, 1941, vol. 2, p. 281; 1940, vol. 8, p. 1013].
Health Hazard
PHOSPHORUS PENTACHLORIDE can cause death due to pulmonary edemaor by circulatory shock.
Potential Exposure
Phosphorus pentachloride is used as a as a chlorinating and dehydrating agent and as a catalyst. It is used in the manufacture of agricultural chemicals;chlorinated compounds; gasoline additives, plasticizers and surfactants; and in pharmaceutical manufacture
Fire Hazard
When heated to decomposition, PHOSPHORUS PENTACHLORIDE emits highly toxic fumes of chlorides and chlorine. Will react with water or steam to produce heat and toxic and corrosive fumes. Reacts violently with moisture, chlorine trioxide, fluorine hydroxylamine, magnesium oxides, diphosphorus trioxide, sodium and potassium. Decomposed by water to form hydrogen chloride, phosphoric acids, corrosive materials, and heat. This heat may be sufficient to ignite surrounding combustible materials. Incompatible with water, magnesium oxide, chemically active metals: sodium, potassium; alkalis; aluminum; chlorine dioxide; chlorine; diphosphorus trioxide; fluorine; hydroxylamine; magnesium oxide; 3'-methyl-2-nitrobenzanilide; nitrobenzene; sodium; urea; water.
First aid
If this chemical gets into the eyes, remove any contact lenses at once and irrigate immediately for at least 15 minutes, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Seek medical attention immediately. If this chemical contacts the skin, remove contaminated clothing and wash immediately with soap and water. Seek medical attention immediately. If this chemical has been inhaled, remove from exposure, begin rescue breathing (using universal precautions, including resuscitation mask) if breathing has stopped and CPR if heart action has stopped. Transfer promptly to a medical facility. When this chemical has been swallowed, get medical attention. If victim is conscious, administer water, or milk. Do not induce vomiting. Medical observation is recommended for 2448 hours after breathing overexposure, as pulmonary edema may be delayed. As first aid for pulmonary edema, a doctor or authorized paramedic may consider administering a drug or other inhalation therapy.
Shipping
UN1806 Phosphorus pentachloride, Hazard class: 8; Labels: 8-Corrosive material.
Incompatibilities
Phosphorus pentachloride is a powerful oxidizer. Reacts with water (violent), magnesium oxide, chemically active metals, such as sodium and potassium, alkalis, amines, carbamates, aluminum powder, combustibles, fluorine, phosphorus pentoxide, phosphorus trioxide, and many other substances. Hydrolyzes in water (even in humid air) to form hydrochloric acid and phosphoric acid. Corrosive to many metals, forming flammable and explosive hydrogen gas. Attacks plastic and rubber.
Chemical Properties
Phosphorus pentachloride is a pale yellow, fuming solid with an odor like hydrochloric acid.
Chemical Properties
Yellowish crystalline powder and scales
Waste Disposal
Decompose with water, forming phosphoric and hydrochloric acids. Neutralize acids and dilute if necessary for discharge into the sewer system.
Definition
ChEBI: Phosphorus pentachloride is a phosphorus halide.
Flammability and Explosibility
Nonflammable
Purification Methods
[All operations should be carried out in an efficient fume cupboard.] Sublime it at 160-170o in an atmosphere of chlorine. Excess chlorine is then displaced by dry N2 gas. All subsequent manipulations should be performed in a dry-box [Downs & Johnson J Am Chem Soc 77 2098 1955]. It fumes in moist air and attacks the eyes and the mucous membranes of the nose. It should not be breathed in and has very HARMFUL VAPOURS (wash burning eyes with aqueous NaHCO3).
