Phosgene
Revision as of 06:12, 24 July 2013 by (username removed)
Description
A colorless, poisonous gas with a suffocating odor. Phosgene can be formed as a decomposition product of chlorinated hydrocarbons with heat or ultraviolet light. It can be detected using a solution of p-dimethylaminobenzaldehyde (5%) and diphenyl amine (5%) in ethanol. A paper soaked in this mixture then dried will turn from yellow to deep orange in the presence of less than 1 ppm phosgene.
Synonyms and Related Terms
carbonyl chloride; carbonic dichloride; carbon oxychloride; chloroformyl chloride
Other Properties
Soluble in benzene, toluene, glacial acetic acid and most hydrocarbons. Slightly soluble in water.
| Composition | COCl2 |
|---|---|
| CAS | 75-44-5 |
| Melting Point | -118 |
| Density | 1.392 |
| Molecular Weight | mol. wt. = 98.9 |
| Boiling Point | 8.2 |
Hazards and Safety
Very toxic by inhalation. Strongly irritating to skin and mucous tissue.
LINK: International Chemical Safety Card