Liquid at STP
Molecular Formula	PCl3	Molecular Weight	137.35
Boiling Point	76.1°	Melting Point	-93.6°
Vapor Density	4.8	Liquid Density	1.6
Vapor pressure	13.3 kPa at 21°C
Not flammable

Also refer to 2000 Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG2000) Guide 137.

Health Hazards

Eye, skin and inhalational irritant, may be fatal if swallowed. Should be handled with care using protective clothing

Reactive with water and can react explosively. Does not burn but will decompose in a fire to give off toxic fumes.

INDUSTRIAL/COMMERCIAL USES

Phosphorus trichloride is a remarkably versatile reagent and can be used to introduce chlorine or phosphorus into a wide range of inorganic and organic precursors. Annual production in the United States is in excess of 300,000 short tons with US consumption in excess of 350,000 short tons. Approximately 70% of this is used in the manufacture of organophosphorus pesticides including glyphosate, the active component of Roundup. A further 12% is used in the manufacture of phosphorus oxychloride. Another 12% is used in surfactants and water processing chemicals and the remainder in plastic processing and in oil and plate additives.

The industrial manufacture of phosphorus trichloride helps to demonstrate the limits of control of weapons precursors. It is manufactured by the controlled reaction of chlorine and elemental phosphorus. The reaction is highly energetic and presents an engineering challenge, although it is not insuperable. Chlorine and elemental phosphorus are produced in large quantities: The US produced over 11 million tons of chlorine in 2002 and slightly less than 11 million tons of phosphoric acid in the same period.. Short of controlling all of the traffic in the two elements, and the chemical plant used to make phosphorus trichloride, there are limits on how well trade in this compound can be policed.

COMMENTS

Aum Shinrikyo claimed that the quantities of phosphorus trichloride found at the Satyam 7 plant was for use in the manufacture of plastic computer cases.