Phosgene is a toxic gas used in industrial processes and warfare. It poses serious health risks upon inhalation, causing respiratory damage and can be fatal.
| IUPAC Name | Carbonyl dichloride |
| Molecular Formula | COCl2 |
| CAS Number | 75-44-5 |
| Synonyms | Carbonic dichloride, Phosgene gas, Carbonyl chloride |
| InChI | InChI=1S/CCl2O/c2-1(3)4 |
Phosgene Properties
Phosgene Formula
The chemical formula of phosgene or carbonic dichloride is COCl2. It consists of one carbon (C) atom, one oxygen (O) atom, and two chlorine (Cl) atoms. This molecular composition is essential in understanding its properties and reactions.
Phosgene Molar Mass
The molar mass of carbonic dichloride is approximately 98.92 g/mol. It is calculated by summing up the atomic masses of its constituents, which are carbon (12.01 g/mol), oxygen (16.00 g/mol), and chlorine (35.45 g/mol each).
Phosgene Boiling Point
Carbonic dichloride has a relatively low boiling point of around -23.3°C (-9.94°F). At this temperature, it transforms from its liquid state to a gaseous state, which is crucial in its application in various industrial processes.
Phosgene Melting Point
The melting point of carbonic dichloride is quite low, around -118.3°C (-180.94°F). At this temperature, the solid form of carbonic dichloride changes into a liquid. Understanding this property is significant when handling carbonic dichloride safely.
Phosgene Density g/mL
Carbonic dichloride has a density of approximately 1.432 g/mL at room temperature (25°C or 77°F). This property is crucial in determining its behavior and interactions with other substances.
Phosgene Molecular Weight
The molecular weight of carbonic dichloride is 98.92 g/mol. This value is vital for various calculations in chemistry, including stoichiometry and determining the amount of carbonic dichloride needed in reactions.
Phosgene Structure
Carbonic dichloride has a linear molecular structure, where the carbon atom is double-bonded to the oxygen atom and single-bonded to each chlorine atom. The arrangement affects its reactivity and stability.
Phosgene Solubility
Carbonic dichloride is sparingly soluble in water, with only a small amount of gas dissolving in the liquid. However, it can react with water to produce hydrochloric acid and carbon dioxide, making it hazardous in aqueous environments.
Understanding these properties of carbonic dichloride is essential in handling and using the chemical safely in industrial applications and other contexts. Proper precautions should always be taken when dealing with this toxic and reactive compound to prevent accidents and health hazards.
| Appearance | Colorless gas |
| Specific Gravity | 3.428 (gas) |
| Color | N/A |
| Odor | Suffocating, pungent |
| Molar Mass | 98.92 g/mol |
| Density | 1.432 g/mL (liquid) |
| Melting Point | -118.3°C (-180.94°F) |
| Boiling Point | -23.3°C (-9.94°F) |
| Flash Point | N/A |
| Water Solubility | Reacts with water |
| Solubility | Reacts with water to produce hydrochloric acid and carbon dioxide |
| Vapor Pressure | 736 mmHg (25°C) |
| Vapor Density | 2.98 (air = 1) |
| pKa | N/A |
| pH | N/A |
These physico-chemical properties provide essential information about carbonic dichloride, aiding in its safe handling and understanding its behavior in various environments.
Phosgene Safety and Hazards
Carbonic dichloride poses significant safety hazards due to its toxic and reactive nature. When handling carbonic dichloride, wear proper personal protective equipment (PPE), including respiratory protection, gloves, and eye protection. Ensure proper ventilation in work areas to prevent inhalation exposure. Avoid contact with skin and eyes as it can cause severe irritation and burns. Carbonic dichloride gas has no odor, making detection challenging, so monitoring devices are crucial. In case of exposure, seek immediate medical attention. Store and transport carbonic dichloride safely, following regulations and best practices. Understanding its hazards is vital to prevent accidents and protect both human health and the environment.
| Hazard Symbols | Skull and Cross Bones |
| Safety Description | Highly toxic gas. Handle with extreme caution. Use proper PPE. Avoid inhalation and skin contact. |
| UN IDs | UN1076 |
| HS Code | 2812.10.0000 |
| Hazard Class | 2.3 (Toxic gas) |
| Packing Group | I |
| Toxicity | Phosgene is highly toxic and can be fatal upon inhalation or skin contact. Use strict safety measures. |
Understanding the risk and safety aspects of carbonic dichloride is crucial for safe handling and preventing accidents. It is highly toxic and poses significant health hazards, making proper safety procedures and precautions essential.
Phosgene Synthesis Methods
Several methods enable the synthesis of carbonic dichloride.
One common approach is the “Deacon Process,” where chlorine gas reacts with carbon monoxide at high temperatures in the presence of a suitable catalyst like copper(II) chloride. Another method involves the “Direct Chlorination” of carbon monoxide with chlorine gas, facilitated by iron or other metal chlorides as catalysts.
Carbonic dichloride production involves the “Oxidative Carbonylation” of methylene chloride or methyl chloride, utilizing oxygen and a metal catalyst like cuprous chloride. Another method for synthesizing carbonic dichloride is the “Urea Route,” which generates carbonic dichloride as a byproduct during the production of urea.
However, it’s essential to note that carbonic dichloride is a highly hazardous substance, and its synthesis requires utmost care and expertise. Workers must perform these processes in well-controlled industrial settings with strict safety measures and protective equipment to prevent exposure to toxic gas and ensure their safety and that of the environment.
Phosgene Uses
Carbonic dichloride has various industrial applications due to its unique properties, but it is important to note that its uses should be handled with utmost caution due to its toxic nature. Here are some of its uses:
- Chemical Intermediates: Carbonic dichloride aids in producing several vital chemicals, including isocyanates, which play an essential role in manufacturing polyurethane foams, coatings, and adhesives.
- Pesticide Production: Carbonic dichloride facilitates the synthesis of certain pesticides and herbicides, contributing to crop protection and pest control.
- Polycarbonate Production: Carbonic dichloride serves as a crucial component in producing polycarbonate plastics, utilized in a wide range of products, from eyeglasses to water bottles.
- Textile Industry: Carbonic dichloride participates in the production of specific dyes and other chemicals used in the textile industry.
- Foam Production: Carbonic dichloride is instrumental in manufacturing foam materials, including certain types of foam used in insulation.
- Pharmaceuticals: Carbonic dichloride acts as a chemical intermediate in producing some pharmaceuticals.
- Laboratory Research: Researchers sometimes employ carbonic dichloride in laboratory experiments.
- Synthetic Rubber Production: Carbonic dichloride is integral to the production of certain synthetic rubbers.
- Water Purification: Carbonic dichloride had previously found application in small quantities for water purification, but nowadays, safer alternatives are more commonly using for this purpose.
While carbonic dichloride has important industrial uses, its high toxicity and hazardous properties demand strict safety measures in handling, storage, and transportation to prevent accidents and ensure the well-being of workers and the environment.
Questions:
Q: What does phosgene gas do to a person?
A: Carbonic dichloride gas can cause respiratory damage, leading to difficulty breathing and potentially fatal pulmonary edema.
Q: What is phosgene?
A: Carbonic dichloride is a highly toxic chemical compound used in various industrial processes.
Q: What is phosgene gas?
A: Carbonic dichloride gas is the gaseous form of the chemical compound, known for its suffocating and toxic effects on the respiratory system.
Q: What does phosgene do to the body?
A: Carbonic dichloride can damage the lungs, causing fluid buildup and severe respiratory distress.
Q: How many times will Grignard react with phosgene?
A: Grignard reagent reacts with carbonic dichloride only once, forming a ketone.
Q: What human organ did chlorine and phosgene gases attack?
A: Chlorine and carbonic dichloride gases mainly attack the lungs.
Q: How does phosgene gas kill you?
A: Carbonic dichloride gas causes severe lung irritation, leading to fluid buildup and suffocation.
Q: Who invented phosgene gas?
A: Carbonic dichloride gas was discovered by British chemist John Davy in 1812.
Q: Carbonic dichloride gas effects?
A: Carbonic dichloride gas can cause respiratory damage, pulmonary edema, and in severe cases, death.
Q: Carbonic dichloride Lewis structure?
A: Carbonic dichloride’s Lewis structure consists of one carbon double-bonded to oxygen and single-bonded to two chlorine atoms.
Q: Carbonic dichloride gas WW1?
A: Carbonic dichloride gas was used as a chemical weapon in World War I, inflicting devastating effects on soldiers.
Q: When was phosgene gas first used?
A: Carbonic dichloride gas was first used as a chemical weapon in World War I, in 1915.
Q: Where does phosgene come from?
A: Carbonic dichloride is usually produced by reacting chlorine with carbon monoxide or other carbon-containing compounds.