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.
Names | |
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Preferred IUPAC name
Methylphosphonic dichloride | |
Other names
Methanephosphonic dichloride Methanephosphonic acid dichloride Methylphosphonyl dichloride | |
Identifiers | |
3D model (JSmol) |
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ChemSpider | |
ECHA InfoCard | 100.010.578 |
EC Number |
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PubChem CID |
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CompTox Dashboard (EPA) |
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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R-phrases (outdated) | R14, R23/24/25, R26, R34 |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): | |
LD50 (median dose) |
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
- 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.
- 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.