Chemical Properties
yellow crystal(s); -60 mesh with 99.9% purity; decomposed by H2O or alcohol; used as a brominating agent [HAW93] [MER06] [CER91]
Uses
Brominating agent for converting organic acids to acyl bromides.
General Description
A yellow crystalline solid that is shipped in sealed containers. Strongly irritating to skin and eyes. Used to make other chemicals.
Reactivity Profile
PHOSPHORUS PENTABROMIDE is a yellow crystalline compound, toxic and corrosive. Contact with water or steam leads to violent decomposition (hydrolysis) producing toxic and corrosive phosphoryl bromide fumes. When heated to decomposition PHOSPHORUS PENTABROMIDE emits toxic fumes of bromide and oxides of phosphorus [Lewis, 3rd ed., 1993, p. 1033].
Health Hazard
CORROSIVE and/or TOXIC; inhalation, ingestion or contact (skin, eyes) with vapors, dusts or substance may cause severe injury, burns or death. Fire will produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Reaction with water may generate much heat that will increase the concentration of fumes in the air. Contact with molten substance may cause severe burns to skin and eyes. Runoff from fire control or dilution water may cause pollution.
Fire Hazard
EXCEPT FOR ACETIC ANHYDRIDE (UN1715), THAT IS FLAMMABLE, some of these materials may burn, but none ignite readily. May ignite combustibles (wood, paper, oil, clothing, etc.). Substance will react with water (some violently), releasing corrosive and/or toxic gases and runoff. Flammable/toxic gases may accumulate in confined areas (basement, tanks, hopper/tank cars, etc.). Contact with metals may evolve flammable hydrogen gas. Containers may explode when heated or if contaminated with water. Substance may be transported in a molten form.
Purification Methods
Dissolve it in pure nitrobenzene at 60o, filtering off any insoluble residue on to sintered glass funnel, then allow it to crystallise by cooling. Wash the collected solid with dry Et2O and remove excess ether in a current of dry N2. (All manipulations should be performed in a dry-box.) [Harris & Payne J Chem Soc 3732 1958]. It fumes in moist air because of hydrolysis. HARMFUL VAPOURS (wash burning eyes with aqueous NaHCO3).
