Phosgene
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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
Risks
- Very toxic by inhalation.
- Strongly irritating to skin and mucous tissue.
- OSHA: Chemical Database - Phosgene
Physical and Chemical Properties
Soluble in benzene, toluene, glacial acetic acid and most hydrocarbons. Slightly soluble in water.
| Composition | COCl2 |
|---|---|
| CAS | 75-44-5 |
| Melting Point | -118 C |
| Density | 1.392 g/ml |
| Molecular Weight | mol. wt. = 98.9 |
| Boiling Point | 8.2 C |