Phosphorus pentachloride

Synonyms & Trade Names

Pentachlorophosphorus, Phosphoric chloride, Phosphorus perchloride

Physical Description

White to pale-yellow, crystalline solid with a pungent, unpleasant odor.

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.]

Symptoms

irritation eyes, skin, respiratory system; bronchitis; dermatitis

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