Phosphorus trichloride
Synonyms & Trade Names
Phosphorus chloride [Phosphorus trichloride]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 GPhysical Description
Colorless to yellow, fuming liquid with an odor like hydrochloric acid.Molecular Weight
137.4Boiling Point
169°FFreezing Point
-170°FSolubility
ReactsVapor Pressure
100 mmHgIonization Potential
9.91 eVSpecific Gravity
1.58Flash Point
NAUpper Exposive Limit
NALower Explosive Limit
NAIncompatibilities & 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 contactSymptoms
irritation eyes, skin, nose, throat; pulmonary edema; eye, skin burnsTarget Organs
Eyes, skin, respiratory systemPersonal 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
- Page last reviewed:April 11, 2016
- Page last updated:April 11, 2016
- Content source:
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Education and Information Division