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Phosphorus trichloride: Difference between revisions
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'''Phosphorus trichloride''' is made up of one [[phosphorus]] atom and three [[chlorine]] atoms. On first sight, you may mistake the clear, colorless liquid for water, but if you drink it, you will die shortly. It is actually considered to be a nerve agent precursor, a highly toxic chemical upon contact with the skin or the respiratory system. | |||
Phosphorus trichloride is made up of one phosphorus atom and three chlorine atoms. On first sight, you may mistake the clear, colorless liquid for water, but if you drink it, you will die shortly. It is actually considered to be a nerve agent precursor, a highly toxic chemical upon contact with the skin or the respiratory system. | |||
== Properties == | == Properties == | ||
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] | 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] | ||
[[Image:Phosphorus trichloride 25ml (1).jpg|thumb|150px|left|A 25 mL sample of the clear liquid, phosphorus trichloride.]] | [[Image:Phosphorus trichloride 25ml (1).jpg|thumb|150px|left|A 25 mL sample of the clear liquid, phosphorus trichloride.]] | ||
== Uses == | == Uses == | ||
For such a toxic chemical, phosphorus trichloride is surprisingly useful. It is mainly used as an ingredient in pesticides, which kills fungi or pests. | For such a toxic chemical, phosphorus trichloride is surprisingly useful. It is mainly used as an ingredient in pesticides, which kills [[fungi]] or pests. It is also used as herbicides, which is used to kill weeds. In fact, 90% of phosphorus trichloride production is sold to the company that produces RoundUp. It is the starting product for many inorganic and organic compounds including; phosphorus oxychloride, phosphorus sulfochloride, phosphorus acid, alkyl phosphites, and dialkyl phosphites. Phosphorus trichloride can also be used as a stabilizer for plastic, a chlorinating agent in organic synthesis,an ingredient in water treatment chemicals, or a paint additive. Because of its inflammability, it is used as a flame retardant to plastics. It also serves as a catalyst for the production of fatty acid chlorides. [http://lanxess.sg/en/industries-products/industries-singapore/pharma-singapore/phosphorous-trichloride-singap/] | ||
== Nerve Agents == | == Nerve Agents == | ||
