Methylphosphonic acid dichloride

Methyl phosphonic dichloride is an organophosphorus compound. It has a number of potential uses but is most notable as being a precursor to several chemical weapons agents. It is a white crystalline solid, with a low melting point. It hydrolyzes readily and must be handled with care as it is exceedingly toxic.

Methylphosphonic acid dichloride
Names
Preferred IUPAC name
Methylphosphonic dichloride
Other names
Methanephosphonic dichloride
Methanephosphonic acid dichloride
Methylphosphonyl dichloride
Identifiers
3D model (JSmol)
ChemSpider
ECHA InfoCard 100.010.578
EC Number
  • 211-634-4
Properties
CH3Cl2OP
Molar mass 132.91 g·mol−1
Appearance White crystalline solid
Density 1.468 g/mL at 20 °C
Melting point 28 to 34 °C (82 to 93 °F; 301 to 307 K)
Boiling point 163 °C (325 °F; 436 K)
Hazards
Main hazards Very Toxic
R-phrases (outdated) R14, R23/24/25, R26, R34
Flash point >110 °C
Lethal dose or concentration (LD, LC):
26 ppm/4h by inhalation (rat)
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
Infobox references

Synthesis and reactions

Methyl phosphonic dichloride is produced by oxidation of methyldichlorophosphine, e.g. with sulfuryl chloride:[1]

MePCl2 + SO2Cl2 → MeP(O)Cl2 + SOCl2

It can also be produced from a range of methyl-phosphonates (e.g. dimethyl methylphosphonate) via chlorination with thionyl chloride. Various amines can be used to catalyse this process.[2] It reacts with hydrogen fluoride or sodium fluoride to produce methylphosphonyl difluoride, which is used in the production of sarin and soman nerve agents.

References

  1. Svara, J.; Weferling, N.; Hofmann, T. "Phosphorus Compounds, Organic," In 'Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry, Wiley-VCH, Weinheim, 2008. doi:10.1002/14356007.a19_545.pub2.
  2. Maier, Ludwig (1990). "ORGANIC PHOSPHORUS COMPOUNDS 90.l A CONVENIENT, ONE-STEP SYNTHESIS OF ALKYL- AND ARYLPHOSPHONYL DICHLORIDES". Phosphorus, Sulfur, and Silicon and the Related Elements. 47 (3–4): 465–470. doi:10.1080/10426509008038002.
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