Phosphorus Oxychloride

Phosphorus Oxychloride (POCl₃) for Industrial Synthesis

Phosphorus oxychloride, also known as phosphoryl chloride or POCl₃, is a reactive inorganic chemical intermediate identified by CAS 10025-87-3. It is widely used as a chlorinating, phosphorylating and dehydrating reagent in the manufacture of phosphate esters, pharmaceutical intermediates, agrochemicals, flame-retardant intermediates and other specialty chemicals.

This product is intended for controlled industrial and professional use. Request the current product specification, Safety Data Sheet (SDS), lot-specific Certificate of Analysis (COA), packaging availability and shipping information before placing an order.

• Product name: Phosphorus Oxychloride

• Common name: Phosphoryl Chloride

• Abbreviation: POCl₃

• CAS number: 10025-87-3

• EC number: 233-046-7

• Molecular formula: POCl₃

• Molecular weight: 153.33 g/mol

• Product form: Liquid

• Transport identification: UN1810

POCl₃ Product Identification and Reference Properties

Phosphorus oxychloride is normally supplied as a clear, colorless to pale-yellow fuming liquid with a pungent odor. It is highly moisture-sensitive and reacts vigorously with water.

Reference values may vary with the analytical method, temperature and product grade. The agreed sales specification and lot-specific COA take precedence over general reference data.

Commercial Quality Specification

For applications requiring additional impurity controls, include the target analytical method and acceptance limits in your inquiry.

Why Is Phosphorus Oxychloride Used in Chemical Manufacturing?

POCl₃ combines a phosphoryl group with reactive phosphorus–chlorine bonds. This makes it a versatile reagent for introducing phosphorus-containing functionality, activating oxygen-containing groups and carrying out selected chlorination or dehydration processes.

Its principal manufacturing advantages include:

• Versatility across phosphorylation, chlorination and activation reactions

• Suitability as a precursor for phosphate esters

• Use in multiple pharmaceutical and agrochemical synthesis routes

• Compatibility with batch and appropriately engineered continuous processes

• Availability in industrial quantities for professional chemical manufacturing

Process performance depends on purity, moisture control, impurity profile, reaction conditions and equipment compatibility. Buyers should qualify the selected grade in their own process before commercial use.

Phosphorus Oxychloride Applications by Industry

Phosphate Ester Manufacturing

Phosphorus oxychloride is an important starting material for producing phosphate esters. Depending on their structure, these downstream products may be used in flame-retardant additives, plasticizers, hydraulic fluids, lubricant additives and other functional-fluid formulations.

For this application, buyers commonly evaluate assay, residual phosphorus trichloride, color and metal impurities because these parameters may affect reaction consistency and downstream product quality.

Pharmaceutical and Fine Chemical Intermediates

POCl₃ is used as a reagent or intermediate in selected pharmaceutical and fine chemical synthesis routes. It can support phosphorylation, chlorination, dehydration, activation and Vilsmeier-type transformations under controlled conditions.

Suitability for pharmaceutical manufacturing must be determined from the complete specification, impurity profile, change-control expectations, traceability requirements and the user’s own process validation. A general industrial grade should not automatically be described as pharmaceutical grade.

Agrochemical Intermediates

Phosphorus oxychloride is used in the synthesis of selected herbicide, insecticide, fungicide and other crop-protection intermediates. Its role varies by process and may involve the formation of phosphorus-containing structures or the activation and chlorination of precursor molecules.

When requesting material for agrochemical production, specify the intended process, required assay, critical impurities and annual consumption.

Chlorinating and Dehydrating Reagent

POCl₃ can function as a chlorinating or dehydrating reagent in suitable organic synthesis processes. It is also used in the preparation of acid chlorides, activated intermediates and other specialty derivatives.

Reaction suitability should be assessed by qualified technical personnel. Moisture control, heat management, corrosion resistance and off-gas handling are critical process considerations.

Specialty Chemical Production

Additional applications include the manufacture of dyes, pigments, catalysts, resins and other phosphorus- or chlorine-containing specialty chemicals. Application requirements can differ significantly, so the product grade should be selected against the actual process specification rather than assay alone.

How to Select the Right Phosphorus Oxychloride Grade

The best POCl₃ grade is the one that controls the impurities affecting your process and final product. A higher assay alone does not guarantee better performance.

Evaluate the following factors during supplier qualification:

Assay and Reactive Impurities

Confirm the minimum POCl₃ assay and maximum residual phosphorus trichloride. For moisture-sensitive or high-selectivity reactions, also define an appropriate water limit.

Color and Metal Content

Color, iron, arsenic, lead and other trace metals may matter in high-purity intermediates, light-colored products, pharmaceutical processes and sensitive downstream formulations.

Analytical Methods

Confirm how each critical parameter is measured. Results obtained by titration, NMR, ICP or other methods may not be directly interchangeable.

Packaging and Consumption Rate

Choose a packaging format appropriate for the required quantity, unloading system, storage capacity and rate of consumption. Package compatibility and moisture protection are essential.

Documentation and Traceability

State whether your qualification process requires an SDS, TDS, COA, manufacturer declaration, country-of-origin information, regulatory statement, change notification or additional compliance documentation.

Packaging, Storage and Transport Information

Common commercial packaging formats for phosphorus oxychloride include approved lined drums, specialized containers and ISO tank or other bulk deliveries. Actual packaging availability depends on order quantity, destination, transport mode and applicable dangerous-goods regulations.

Store phosphorus oxychloride in tightly closed, compatible containers in a dry, cool and well-ventilated area protected from humidity, water and excessive heat. Use only appropriately designed transfer, storage and ventilation systems.

Because POCl₃ has a freezing point close to 1°C, temperature management may be relevant during cold-weather storage or transport. Follow the current SDS and approved site procedures before handling material that has solidified.

Transport information:

• UN number: UN1810

• Proper shipping name: Phosphorus Oxychloride

• Primary hazard class: 6.1

• Subsidiary hazard: 8

• Packing group: I

• Air transport: Restricted or forbidden under applicable dangerous-goods rules

Transport classification, permitted packaging and route availability must be verified for the destination country and selected mode of transport.

Safety and Responsible Handling

Phosphorus oxychloride is toxic, highly corrosive and dangerously reactive with water. Contact with moisture can generate substantial heat and corrosive hydrogen chloride fumes.

Only trained personnel should handle this product using appropriate engineering controls, compatible equipment, ventilation and personal protective equipment. Prevent inhalation and contact with the skin or eyes. Keep the product isolated from water, moisture and incompatible materials.

The information on this page is only a product overview. It does not replace the current Safety Data Sheet, container label, site risk assessment, emergency plan or applicable legal requirements.

Documents to Request During Supplier Qualification

For technical review and procurement approval, request the documents relevant to your market and application:

• Current product specification or Technical Data Sheet

• Current Safety Data Sheet

• Lot-specific Certificate of Analysis

• Packaging and net-weight details

• Manufacturer and country-of-origin information

• Dangerous-goods transport classification

• Regulatory or registration statements

• Additional impurity data, where required

• Sample availability and sampling conditions

• Change-control or notification information, where applicable

Document availability may depend on the selected grade, producer and destination market.

Request a Bulk Phosphorus Oxychloride Quote

For a faster and more accurate quotation, include:

• Product name: Phosphorus Oxychloride / POCl₃

• CAS number: 10025-87-3

• Required assay and impurity limits

• Order quantity and estimated annual demand

• Preferred packaging

• Delivery city, country and port

• Required delivery date

• Intended industrial application

• Required qualification or regulatory documents

Send us your phosphorus oxychloride requirement to receive information about product availability, packaging, lead time, documentation and commercial terms.

Frequently Asked Questions About Phosphorus Oxychloride

What is phosphorus oxychloride?

Phosphorus oxychloride is a reactive inorganic liquid with the formula POCl₃ and CAS number 10025-87-3. It is mainly used as a chlorinating, phosphorylating and dehydrating reagent in industrial chemical synthesis.

Are phosphorus oxychloride and phosphoryl chloride the same chemical?

Yes. Phosphorus oxychloride and phosphoryl chloride are two widely used names for the same compound, POCl₃. Other names include phosphoryl trichloride and phosphorus(V) oxychloride.

What is phosphorus oxychloride used for?

Its main uses include the manufacture of phosphate esters, flame-retardant intermediates, plasticizer intermediates, pharmaceutical and agrochemical intermediates, specialty chemicals and selected chlorinated compounds.

Does phosphorus oxychloride react with water?

Yes. POCl₃ reacts vigorously with water and moisture, generating heat and corrosive hydrogen chloride fumes. It must be stored and handled in dry, compatible systems by trained professionals.

What is the difference between industrial, pharmaceutical and electronic grades?

The difference is not determined by assay alone. Grade selection may involve tighter limits for water, residual phosphorus trichloride, color, metals and other trace impurities, together with different documentation, traceability and change-control requirements.

Is a 99.5% or 99.7% assay always better for my process?

Not necessarily. The most important specification is the one that controls the impurities affecting your reaction, yield and final product. Compare the complete specification and COA instead of selecting material by headline assay alone.

How is phosphorus oxychloride transported?

It is transported as regulated dangerous goods under UN1810. The commonly cited classification is Class 6.1 with a subsidiary Class 8 hazard and Packing Group I. Permitted packaging and routes depend on current regulations and the destination.

Can phosphorus oxychloride freeze during transport?

Yes. Its freezing or solidification point is approximately 1°C. Cold-weather logistics may therefore require appropriate temperature planning and approved handling procedures.

What information is needed to quote POCl₃?

Provide the required grade or specification, quantity, annual demand, packaging preference, delivery destination, intended application and required documents. These details allow the supplier to evaluate product and transport compatibility.

Can phosphorus oxychloride be supplied in bulk?

Bulk supply is commonly associated with ISO tanks or other approved bulk systems, while smaller industrial quantities may use approved specialized drums or containers. Availability depends on the supplier, route, destination and applicable transport regulations.