Phosgene

COCl₂

IUPAC: Carbonyl dichloride

CAS: 75-44-5

Overview

Phosgene is a toxic, colorless gas that smells like freshly mown hay. It was used as a chemical weapon in World War I, causing about 80% of all chemical weapon deaths. Today it is a vital industrial chemical used in the production of polycarbonate plastics and polyurethane.

Composition

Element Symbol Atoms Atomic Mass
Carbon C 1 12.0110
Oxygen O 1 15.9990
Chlorine Cl 2 35.4500

Elemental Composition

C
Carbon ×1
12.1%
O
Oxygen ×1
16.2%
Cl
Chlorine ×2
71.7%

Uses

  • • Polycarbonate plastic production
  • • Isocyanate (polyurethane) production
  • • Pesticide intermediate
  • • Pharmaceutical intermediate

Fun Facts

  • ✦ Caused more deaths than any other chemical weapon in World War I
  • ✦ Despite its deadly history, it is essential for making many everyday plastics

Safety

  • ⚠ Extremely toxic by inhalation
  • ⚠ Chemical warfare agent (WW1)
  • ⚠ Delayed pulmonary effects (may be fatal hours after exposure)

Structure

SMILES

C(=O)(Cl)Cl

Properties

Type
inorganic
State
gas
Molar Mass
98.92 g/mol
Density
4.2480 g/cm³
Melting Point
-118.0 °C
Boiling Point
8.3 °C
Solubility
slightly (decomposes)

Molecular Descriptors

Exact Mass
97.9326
XLogP
1.8
TPSA
17.1 Ų
H-Bond Donors
0
H-Bond Acceptors
1
Rotatable Bonds
0
Heavy Atoms
4
Complexity
29.0

Also Known As

Phosgene Carbonyl chloride

Related Compounds

Aluminum Chloride

AlCl₃

Aluminum Nitride

AlN

Ammonium Persulfate

(NH₄)₂S₂O₈

Arsine

AsH₃

Barium Ferrite

BaFe₁₂O₁₉

Barium Titanate

BaTiO₃

Boron Nitride

BN

Boron Trichloride

BCl₃

Calcium Aluminate Cement

CaO·Al₂O₃

Calcium Carbide

CaC₂

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Phosgene?
Phosgene (COCl₂) is a inorganic compound with the IUPAC name Carbonyl dichloride.
What is the molecular weight of Phosgene?
Phosgene has a molar mass of 98.916 g/mol.
What state is Phosgene at room temperature?
Phosgene is a gas at room temperature.
Is Phosgene organic or inorganic?
Phosgene is classified as an inorganic compound.
What elements make up Phosgene?
Phosgene (COCl₂) is composed of Carbon (C), Oxygen (O), Chlorine (Cl).