Phosphorus trichloride: Difference between revisions

Phosphorus trichloride is made up of two different elements, one phosphorus atom along with three chlorine atoms. In this compound, phosphorus takes on an oxidation number of +3, while chlorine's oxidation number is what it almost always stays at, -1. Phosphorus trichloride is a colorless (or slightly yellow), fuming liquid that gives off a pungent odor similar to that of hydrochloric acid. Phosphorus trichloride is not a pleasant substance. It is as vile as it smells, causing severe burns on skin and eyes if contacted. It is also considered toxic by inhalation, ingestion, and skin absorption. When it comes in contact with water, phosphorus trichloride reacts violently and forms hydrochloric acid, which becomes apparent as white fumes and is also very toxic. In addition to water, phosphorus trichloride also reacts explosively with acetic acid, aluminum, chromyl chloride, diallyl phosphite, allyl alcohol, dimethyl sulfoxide, fluorine, hydroxylamine, iodine monochloride, lead dioxide, nitric acid, nitrous acid, organic matter, potassium, and sodium. A few positives about it are that it will not burn, only decompose and it is a strong reducing agent. [http://cameochemicals.noaa.gov/chemical/4249#section6]

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== Uses ==