NIOSH logo and tagline

Phosphorus trichloride

Related Pages
Synonyms & Trade Names
Phosphorus chloride [Phosphorus trichloride]
CAS No.
7719-12-2
RTECS No.
TH3675000
DOT ID & Guide
1809 137
Formula
PCl₃
Conversion
1 ppm = 5.62 mg/m3
IDLH
25 ppm
See: 7719122
Exposure Limits
NIOSH REL
TWA 0.2 ppm (1.5 mg/m3) ST 0.5 ppm (3 mg/m3)
OSHA PEL
TWA 0.5 ppm (3 mg/m3) See Appendix G
Measurement Methods
NIOSH 6402
See: NMAM or OSHA Methods
Physical Description
Colorless to yellow, fuming liquid with an odor like hydrochloric acid.
Molecular Weight
137.4
Boiling Point
169°F
Freezing Point
-170°F
Solubility
Reacts
Vapor Pressure
100 mmHg
Ionization Potential
9.91 eV
Specific Gravity
1.58
Flash Point
NA
Upper Explosive Limit
NA
Lower Explosive Limit
NA
Noncombustible Liquid; however, a strong oxidizer that may ignite combustibles upon contact.
Incompatibilities & Reactivities
Water, chemically-active metals such as sodium & potassium, aluminum, strong nitric acid, acetic acid, organic matter [Note: Hydrolyzes in water to form hydrochloric acid and phosphoric acid.]
Exposure Routes
inhalation, ingestion, skin and/or eye contact
Symptoms
irritation eyes, skin, nose, throat; pulmonary edema; eye, skin burns
Target Organs
Eyes, skin, respiratory system
Personal Protection/Sanitation
(See protection codes)
Skin:Prevent skin contact
Eyes:Prevent eye contact
Wash skin:When contaminated
Remove:When wet or contaminated
Change:No recommendation
Provide:Eyewash, Quick drench
First Aid
(See procedures)
Eye:Irrigate immediately
Skin:Water flush immediately
Breathing:Respiratory support
Swallow:Medical attention immediately
Respirator Recommendations

NIOSH

Up to 10 ppm:
(APF = 50) Any self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece
(APF = 50) Any supplied-air respirator with a full facepiece

Up to 25 ppm:
(APF = 2000) Any supplied-air respirator that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode

Emergency or planned entry into unknown concentrations or IDLH conditions:
(APF = 10,000) Any self-contained breathing apparatus that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode
(APF = 10,000) Any supplied-air respirator that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode in combination with an auxiliary self-contained positive-pressure breathing apparatus

Escape:
(APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator (gas mask) with a chin-style, front- or back-mounted canister providing protection against the compound of concern¿
Any appropriate escape-type, self-contained breathing apparatus

Important additional information about respirator selection

See also
INTRODUCTION   ICSC CARD: 0696
Page last reviewed: October 30, 2019
Content source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health