Phosphorus trichloride

Phosphorus trichloride is a chemical compound. It is a molecular compound made up of phosphorus covalently bonded to three chlorine atoms. The phosphorus is considered to be in a 3+ oxidation state and each chlorine is considered to be in a 1- oxidation state. The chemical formula is PCl3.

Properties
It is a colorless liquid. It reacts with water to make phosphorous acid and hydrochloric acid. It is very toxic. It is a weak reducing agent.

Preparation
It is made by reacting extra phosphorus with chlorine. It is used to make phosphorous acid industrially (in factories). 

Uses
It is used to make organic compounds. It is also used to make other phosphorus compounds.

Related pages
Phosphorus(III) oxide
Phosphorus(V) oxide
Hypophosphite

Category:Phosphorus compounds
Category:Chlorides