PHOSPHORUS PENTACHLORIDE
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The
Chemical Identifier fields
include common identification numbers, the
NFPA diamond
U.S. Department of Transportation hazard labels, and a general
description of the chemical. The information in CAMEO Chemicals comes
from a variety of
data sources.
| CAS Number | UN/NA Number |
|---|---|
|
|
| DOT Hazard Label | USCG CHRIS Code |
|
none |
| NIOSH Pocket Guide | International Chem Safety Card |
Phosphorus pentachloride
|
NFPA 704
| Diamond | Hazard | Value | Description | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Health
|
3 | Can cause serious or permanent injury. | |||||||||
Flammability
|
0 | Will not burn under typical fire conditions. | ||||||||||
Instability
|
2 | Readily undergoes violent chemical changes at elevated temperatures and pressures. | ||||||||||
Special
|
| Reacts violently or explosively with water. |
|
(NFPA, 2010)
General Description
Phosphorus pentachloride is a greenish-yellow crystalline solid with an irritating odor. It is decomposed by water to form hydrochloric and phosphoric acid and heat. This heat may be sufficient to ignite surrounding combustible material. It is corrosive to metals and tissue. Long term exposure to low concentrations or short term exposure to high concentrations can result in adverse health effects from inhalation.
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The
Hazard fields
include
special hazard alerts
air and water
reactions, fire hazards, health hazards, a reactivity profile, and
details about
reactive groups assignments
and
potentially incompatible absorbents.
The information in CAMEO Chemicals comes from a variety of
data sources.
Reactivity Alerts
- Water-Reactive
- Air-Reactive
Air & Water Reactions
Fumes in air, reacts violently with water to form phosphoric acid and hydrochloric acid [Oldbury Chemicals year/ p.9].
Phosphorus pentachloride reacts vigorously with water to generate gaseous HCl. Based on a scenario where the chemical is spilled into an excess of water (at least 5 fold excess of water), half of the maximum theoretical yield of Hydrogen Chloride gas will be created in 0.54 minutes. Experimental details are in the following: "Development of the Table of Initial Isolation and Protective Distances for the 2008 Emergency Response Guidebook", ANL/DIS-09-2, D.F. Brown, H.M. Hartmann, W.A. Freeman, and W.D. Haney, Argonne National Laboratory, Argonne, Illinois, June 2009.
Phosphorus pentachloride reacts vigorously with water to generate gaseous HCl. Based on a scenario where the chemical is spilled into an excess of water (at least 5 fold excess of water), half of the maximum theoretical yield of Hydrogen Chloride gas will be created in 0.54 minutes. Experimental details are in the following: "Development of the Table of Initial Isolation and Protective Distances for the 2008 Emergency Response Guidebook", ANL/DIS-09-2, D.F. Brown, H.M. Hartmann, W.A. Freeman, and W.D. Haney, Argonne National Laboratory, Argonne, Illinois, June 2009.
Fire Hazard
When heated to decomposition, it emits highly toxic fumes of chlorides and chlorine. Will react with water or steam to produce heat and toxic and corrosive fumes. Reacts violently with moisture, chlorine trioxide, fluorine hydroxylamine, magnesium oxides, diphosphorus trioxide, sodium and potassium. Decomposed by water to form hydrogen chloride, phosphoric acids, corrosive materials, and heat. This heat may be sufficient to ignite surrounding combustible materials. Incompatible with water, magnesium oxide, chemically active metals: sodium, potassium; alkalis; aluminum; chlorine dioxide; chlorine; diphosphorus trioxide; fluorine; hydroxylamine; magnesium oxide; 3'-methyl-2-nitrobenzanilide; nitrobenzene; sodium; urea; water. (EPA, 1998)
Health Hazard
It can cause death due to pulmonary edemaor by circulatory shock. (EPA, 1998)
Reactivity Profile
PHOSPHORUS PENTACHLORIDE is a lightly yellow, fuming crystalline material, highly caustic, corrosive and toxic. Flammable by chemical reaction. Violent exothermic reaction with water or steam. When heated to decomposition it emits highly toxic fumes of chlorides and oxides of phosphorus. Explosive reaction with alkaline metals (sodium, potassium), urea. Ignites on contact with fluorine. Violent reaction with aluminum, chlorine trioxide, hydroxylamine, magnesium oxide, nitrobenzene, phosphorus(III) oxide, potassium. Carbamates form explosive products [Bretherick, 5th ed., 1995, p. 1360]. Reaction with the mixture of chlorine and chlorine dioxide causes explosion [Mellor, 1941, vol. 2, p. 281; 1940, vol. 8, p. 1013].
Belongs to the Following Reactive Group(s)
Potentially Incompatible Absorbents
Use caution: Liquids with this reactive group classification have been known to react with the absorbents listed below. More info about absorbents, including situations to watch out for...
- Cellulose-Based Absorbents
- Mineral-Based & Clay-Based Absorbents
- Expanded Polymeric Absorbents
- Dirt/Earth
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The
Response Recommendation fields
include isolation and evacuation distances, as well as recommendations for
firefighting, non-fire response, protective clothing, and first aid. The
information in CAMEO Chemicals comes from a variety of
data sources.
Isolation and Evacuation
Excerpt from ERG Guide 137 [Substances - Water-Reactive - Corrosive]:
IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids.
SPILL: See ERG Table 1 - Initial Isolation and Protective Action Distances on the UN/NA 1806 datasheet.
FIRE: If tank, rail car or tank truck is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2020)
IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids.
SPILL: See ERG Table 1 - Initial Isolation and Protective Action Distances on the UN/NA 1806 datasheet.
FIRE: If tank, rail car or tank truck is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2020)
Firefighting
Avoid breathing vapors; keep upwind. Wear self-contained breathing apparatus. Avoid bodily contact with the material; wear boots, protective gloves, and goggles.
If material is involved in fire then use dry chemical, carbon dioxide, or dry sand. Do not use water on material itself. If large quantities of combustibles are involved, use water in flooding quantities (i.e., spray or fog), and use water spray to absorb vapors. (EPA, 1998)
If material is involved in fire then use dry chemical, carbon dioxide, or dry sand. Do not use water on material itself. If large quantities of combustibles are involved, use water in flooding quantities (i.e., spray or fog), and use water spray to absorb vapors. (EPA, 1998)
Non-Fire Response
Excerpt from ERG Guide 137 [Substances - Water-Reactive - Corrosive]:
Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material unless wearing appropriate protective clothing. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. Use water spray to reduce vapors; do not put water directly on leak, spill area or inside container. Keep combustibles (wood, paper, oil, etc.) away from spilled material.
SMALL SPILL: Cover with DRY earth, DRY sand or other non-combustible material followed with plastic sheet to minimize spreading or contact with rain. Use clean, non-sparking tools to collect material and place it into loosely covered plastic containers for later disposal. Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas. (ERG, 2020)
Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material unless wearing appropriate protective clothing. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. Use water spray to reduce vapors; do not put water directly on leak, spill area or inside container. Keep combustibles (wood, paper, oil, etc.) away from spilled material.
SMALL SPILL: Cover with DRY earth, DRY sand or other non-combustible material followed with plastic sheet to minimize spreading or contact with rain. Use clean, non-sparking tools to collect material and place it into loosely covered plastic containers for later disposal. Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas. (ERG, 2020)
Protective Clothing
Excerpt from NIOSH Pocket Guide for Phosphorus pentachloride:
Skin: PREVENT SKIN CONTACT - Wear appropriate personal protective clothing to prevent skin contact.
Eyes: PREVENT EYE CONTACT - Wear appropriate eye protection to prevent eye contact.
Wash skin: WHEN CONTAMINATED - The worker should immediately wash the skin when it becomes contaminated.
Remove: WHEN WET OR CONTAMINATED - Work clothing that becomes wet or significantly contaminated should be removed and replaced.
Change: DAILY - Workers whose clothing may have become contaminated should change into uncontaminated clothing before leaving the work premises.
Provide:
• EYEWASH - Eyewash fountains should be provided in areas where there is any possibility that workers could be exposed to the substances; this is irrespective of the recommendation involving the wearing of eye protection.
• QUICK DRENCH - Facilities for quickly drenching the body should be provided within the immediate work area for emergency use where there is a possibility of exposure. [Note: It is intended that these facilities provide a sufficient quantity or flow of water to quickly remove the substance from any body areas likely to be exposed. The actual determination of what constitutes an adequate quick drench facility depends on the specific circumstances. In certain instances, a deluge shower should be readily available, whereas in others, the availability of water from a sink or hose could be considered adequate.] (NIOSH, 2023)
:Skin: PREVENT SKIN CONTACT - Wear appropriate personal protective clothing to prevent skin contact.
Eyes: PREVENT EYE CONTACT - Wear appropriate eye protection to prevent eye contact.
Wash skin: WHEN CONTAMINATED - The worker should immediately wash the skin when it becomes contaminated.
Remove: WHEN WET OR CONTAMINATED - Work clothing that becomes wet or significantly contaminated should be removed and replaced.
Change: DAILY - Workers whose clothing may have become contaminated should change into uncontaminated clothing before leaving the work premises.
Provide:
• EYEWASH - Eyewash fountains should be provided in areas where there is any possibility that workers could be exposed to the substances; this is irrespective of the recommendation involving the wearing of eye protection.
• QUICK DRENCH - Facilities for quickly drenching the body should be provided within the immediate work area for emergency use where there is a possibility of exposure. [Note: It is intended that these facilities provide a sufficient quantity or flow of water to quickly remove the substance from any body areas likely to be exposed. The actual determination of what constitutes an adequate quick drench facility depends on the specific circumstances. In certain instances, a deluge shower should be readily available, whereas in others, the availability of water from a sink or hose could be considered adequate.] (NIOSH, 2023)
DuPont Tychem® Suit Fabrics
No information available.
First Aid
Warning: Phosphorus pentachloride is a corrosive agent. Contact with eyes may result in severe damage to the cornea, conjunctiva, and blood vessels. Caution is advised.
Signs and Symptoms of Phosphorus Pentachloride Exposure: Acute exposure to phosphorus pentachloride may result in irritation and burning of the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes. Light- headedness, drowsiness, slurred speech, pupillary dilation, increased salivation, dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), abdominal pain, and spontaneous vomiting may occur. Stridor (high-pitched, noisy respirations), dyspnea (shortness of breath), and pulmonary edema are also common. Apathy and mental confusion may develop, with progression to coma and death.
Emergency Life-Support Procedures: Acute exposure to phosphorus pentachloride may require decontamination and life support for the victims. Emergency personnel should wear protective clothing appropriate to the type and degree of contamination. Air-purifying or supplied-air respiratory equipment should also be worn, as necessary. Rescue vehicles should carry supplies such as plastic sheeting and disposable plastic bags to assist in preventing spread of contamination.
Inhalation Exposure: l. Move victims to fresh air. Emergency personnel should avoid self-exposure to phosphorus pentachloride.
2. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, administer oxygen or other respiratory support.
3. 0btain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.
4. Transport to a health care facility.
Dermal/Eye Exposure: l. Remove victims from exposure. Emergency personnel should avoid self-exposure to phosphorus pentachloride.
2. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, administer oxygen or other respiratory support.
3. Remove and isolate contaminated clothing as soon as possible.
4. If eye exposure has occurred, eyes must be flushed with lukewarm water for at least 30 minutes.
5. Wash exposed skin areas thoroughly with water.
6. 0btain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.
7. Transport to a health care facility.
Ingestion Exposure: l. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, administer oxygen or other respiratory support.
2. DO NOT induce vomiting or attempt to neutralize!
3. 0btain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.
4. Activated charcoal is of no value.
5. Give the victims water or milk: children up to 1 year old, 125 mL (4 oz or 1/2 cup); children 1 to 12 years old, 200 mL (6 oz or 3/4 cup); adults, 250 mL (8 oz or 1 cup). Water or milk should be given only if victims are conscious and alert.
6. Transport to a health care facility. (EPA, 1998)
Signs and Symptoms of Phosphorus Pentachloride Exposure: Acute exposure to phosphorus pentachloride may result in irritation and burning of the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes. Light- headedness, drowsiness, slurred speech, pupillary dilation, increased salivation, dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), abdominal pain, and spontaneous vomiting may occur. Stridor (high-pitched, noisy respirations), dyspnea (shortness of breath), and pulmonary edema are also common. Apathy and mental confusion may develop, with progression to coma and death.
Emergency Life-Support Procedures: Acute exposure to phosphorus pentachloride may require decontamination and life support for the victims. Emergency personnel should wear protective clothing appropriate to the type and degree of contamination. Air-purifying or supplied-air respiratory equipment should also be worn, as necessary. Rescue vehicles should carry supplies such as plastic sheeting and disposable plastic bags to assist in preventing spread of contamination.
Inhalation Exposure: l. Move victims to fresh air. Emergency personnel should avoid self-exposure to phosphorus pentachloride.
2. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, administer oxygen or other respiratory support.
3. 0btain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.
4. Transport to a health care facility.
Dermal/Eye Exposure: l. Remove victims from exposure. Emergency personnel should avoid self-exposure to phosphorus pentachloride.
2. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, administer oxygen or other respiratory support.
3. Remove and isolate contaminated clothing as soon as possible.
4. If eye exposure has occurred, eyes must be flushed with lukewarm water for at least 30 minutes.
5. Wash exposed skin areas thoroughly with water.
6. 0btain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.
7. Transport to a health care facility.
Ingestion Exposure: l. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, administer oxygen or other respiratory support.
2. DO NOT induce vomiting or attempt to neutralize!
3. 0btain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.
4. Activated charcoal is of no value.
5. Give the victims water or milk: children up to 1 year old, 125 mL (4 oz or 1/2 cup); children 1 to 12 years old, 200 mL (6 oz or 3/4 cup); adults, 250 mL (8 oz or 1 cup). Water or milk should be given only if victims are conscious and alert.
6. Transport to a health care facility. (EPA, 1998)
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The
Physical Property fields
include properties such as vapor pressure and
boiling point, as well as explosive limits and
toxic exposure thresholds
The information in CAMEO Chemicals comes from a variety of
data sources.
Note: For Vapor Density and Specific Gravity, comparing the value to 1.0 can tell you if the chemical will likely sink/rise in air or sink/float in fresh water (respectively). Short phrases have been added to those values below as an aid. However, make sure to also consider the circumstances of a release. The Vapor Density comparisons are only valid when the gas escaping is at the same temperature as the surrounding air itself. If the chemical is escaping from a container where it was pressurized or refrigerated, it may first escape and behave as a heavy gas and sink in the air (even if it has a Vapor Density value less than 1). Also, the Specific Gravity comparisons are for fresh water (density 1.0 g/mL). If your spill is in salt water (density about 1.027 g/mL), you need to adjust the point of comparison. There are some chemicals that will sink in fresh water and float in salt water.
Note: For Vapor Density and Specific Gravity, comparing the value to 1.0 can tell you if the chemical will likely sink/rise in air or sink/float in fresh water (respectively). Short phrases have been added to those values below as an aid. However, make sure to also consider the circumstances of a release. The Vapor Density comparisons are only valid when the gas escaping is at the same temperature as the surrounding air itself. If the chemical is escaping from a container where it was pressurized or refrigerated, it may first escape and behave as a heavy gas and sink in the air (even if it has a Vapor Density value less than 1). Also, the Specific Gravity comparisons are for fresh water (density 1.0 g/mL). If your spill is in salt water (density about 1.027 g/mL), you need to adjust the point of comparison. There are some chemicals that will sink in fresh water and float in salt water.
| Chemical Formula: |
|
Flash Point: data unavailable
Lower Explosive Limit (LEL): data unavailable
Upper Explosive Limit (UEL): data unavailable
Autoignition Temperature: data unavailable
Melting Point:
(decomposes) 298°F (under pressure) sublimes at about 212°F without melting
(EPA, 1998)
Vapor Pressure:
1 mmHg
at 131.9°F
(EPA, 1998)
Vapor Density (Relative to Air): data unavailable
Specific Gravity:
3.6
(NIOSH, 2023)
- Denser than water; will sink
Boiling Point:
320°F
at 760 mmHg
(EPA, 1998)
Molecular Weight:
208.27
(EPA, 1998)
Water Solubility:
Reacts with water
(NIOSH, 2023)
Ionization Energy/Potential: data unavailable
IDLH:
70 mg/m3
(NIOSH, 2023)
AEGLs (Acute Exposure Guideline Levels)
No AEGL information available.ERPGs (Emergency Response Planning Guidelines)
No ERPG information available.PACs (Protective Action Criteria)
| Chemical | PAC-1 | PAC-2 | PAC-3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phosphorus pentachloride (10026-13-8) | 2.6 mg/m3 | 20 mg/m3 | 200 mg/m3 |
(DOE, 2018)
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The
Regulatory Information fields
include information from
the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Title III Consolidated List of
Lists,
the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency's Chemical Facility
Anti-Terrorism Standards,
and the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration's
Process Safety Management of Highly Hazardous Chemicals Standard List
(see more about these
data sources).
EPA Consolidated List of Lists
| Regulatory Name | CAS Number/ 313 Category Code |
EPCRA 302 EHS TPQ |
EPCRA 304 EHS RQ |
CERCLA RQ | EPCRA 313 TRI |
RCRA Code |
CAA 112(r) RMP TQ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phosphorus pentachloride | 10026-13-8 | 500 pounds | 500 pounds |
(EPA List of Lists, 2022)
CISA Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS)
| RELEASE | THEFT | SABOTAGE | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chemical of Interest | CAS Number | Min Conc | STQ | Security Issue |
Min Conc | STQ | Security Issue |
Min Conc | STQ | Security Issue |
| Phosphorus pentachloride | 10026-13-8 | ACG | APA | sabotage/ contamination | ||||||
- ACG = a commercial grade.
- APA = a placarded amount.
(CISA, 2007)
OSHA Process Safety Management (PSM) Standard List
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This section provides a listing of alternate names for this chemical,
including trade names and synonyms.
- PENTACHLOROPHOSPHORANE
- PENTACHLOROPHOSPHORUS
- PHOSPHORANE, PENTACHLORO-
- PHOSPHORIC CHLORIDE
- PHOSPHORIC PERCHLORIDE
- PHOSPHOROUS PENTACHLORIDE
- PHOSPHORUS CHLORIDE
- PHOSPHORUS CHLORIDE (PCL5)
- PHOSPHORUS PENTACHLORIDE
- PHOSPHORUS PENTACHLORIDE, SOLID
- PHOSPHORUS PENTACHLORIDE, [SOLID]
- PHOSPHORUS PERCHLORIDE
- PHOSPHORUS(V) CHLORIDE
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