Phosphorus(V) chloride facts for kids

The bottle on the left is phosphorus(V) chloride

Phosphorus(V) chloride, also known as phosphorus pentachloride, is a chemical compound. Its chemical formula is PCl₅. It contains phosphorus and chloride ions. The phosphorus is in the +5 oxidation state.

Properties

Phosphorus(V) chloride is a colorless solid. It is one of the most important phosphorus chlorides. Sometimes it is yellowish. It reacts with hot water to make phosphoric acid and hydrochloric acid.

Preparation

It is made by reacting a lot of chlorine with phosphorus. It can also be made by reacting chlorine with phosphorus(III) chloride.

Uses

Phosphorus(V) chloride is used to add chloride to other chemical compounds.

Safety

Phosphorus(V) chloride is acidic and toxic. It puts off toxic gases when reacted with water.

Related pages

• Phosphorus(III) iodide
• Phosphorus(V) oxide
• Phosphorus(III) oxide

Images for kids

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  Structure of solid phosphorus pentachloride, illustrating its autoionization at higher concentrations.

See also

In Spanish: Cloruro de fósforo(V) para niños