NIOSH logo and tagline

Phosphorus pentachloride

Related Pages
Synonyms & Trade Names
Pentachlorophosphorus, Phosphoric chloride, Phosphorus perchloride
CAS No.
10026-13-8
RTECS No.
TB6125000
DOT ID & Guide
1806 137
Formula
PCl₅
Conversion
IDLH
70 mg/m3
See: 10026138
Exposure Limits
NIOSH REL
TWA 1 mg/m3
OSHA PEL
TWA 1 mg/m3
Measurement Methods
NIOSH S257 (II-5)
See: NMAM or OSHA Methods
Physical Description
White to pale-yellow, crystalline solid with a pungent, unpleasant odor.
Molecular Weight
208.3
Boiling Point
Sublimes
Melting Point
324°F (Sublimes)
Solubility
Reacts
Vapor Pressure
(132°F): 1 mmHg
Ionization Potential
?
Specific Gravity
3.60
Flash Point
NA
Upper Explosive Limit
NA
Lower Explosive Limit
NA
Noncombustible Solid
Incompatibilities & Reactivities
Water, magnesium oxide, chemically-active metals such as sodium & potassium, alkalis, amines [Note: Hydrolyzes in water (even in humid air) to form hydrochloric acid & phosphoric acid. Corrosive to metals.]
Exposure Routes
inhalation, ingestion, skin and/or eye contact
Symptoms
irritation eyes, skin, respiratory system; bronchitis; dermatitis
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:Daily
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/OSHA

Up to 10 mg/m3:
(APF = 10) Any supplied-air respirator*

Up to 25 mg/m3:
(APF = 25) Any supplied-air respirator operated in a continuous-flow mode*

Up to 50 mg/m3:
(APF = 50) Any self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece
(APF = 50) Any supplied-air respirator with a full facepiece

Up to 70 mg/m3:
(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 organic vapor canister having an N100, R100, or P100 filter.
Click here for information on selection of N, R, or P filters.
Any appropriate escape-type, self-contained breathing apparatus

Important additional information about respirator selection

See also
INTRODUCTION   ICSC CARD: 0544   MEDICAL TESTS: 0189
Page last reviewed: October 30, 2019
Content source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health