Phosphorus trichloride is a fuming liquid with the formula PCl3.Phosphorus trichloride is a colourless transparent motile liquid. It is the most important phosphorus halide.

Phosphorus trichloride (PCl3) is manufactured by burning molten white phosphorus in dry chlorine. An explosion occurs when phosphorus trichloride is brought in contact with nitric or nitrous acid. A phosphorus trichloride produces acute systemic effects by absorption through the skin into the bloodstream.

Properties of Phosphorus Trichloride

Chemical Formula : PCl3

Odour : Pungent and irritating odour

Appearance : Yellow fuming liquid

Density : 1.57 g/cm³

Molecular Weight/ Molar Mass : 137.33 g/mol

Boiling Point : 76.1 °C

Melting Point : -93.6 °C

Uses of Phosphorus Trichloride

The Largest use for phosphorus trichloride is for making phosphorus oxychloride by oxidising it with oxygen.

Used as an important intermediate in the production of phosphate ester insecticides.

Used as a chlorinating agent for converting alkyl alcohols to alkyl chlorides and organic acids to organic acid chlorides and also as a catalyst.

Used in the production of important compounds like phosphorous pentachloride, phosphoryl chloride, thiophosphoryl chloride, pseudohalogens and phosphonic acids.