Applications
Used as a chlorinating agent and catalyst in making organic chemicals, intermediates, dyestuffs, etc. Used as a catalyst in the manufacture of acetyl cellulose, the plastic film on which motion pictures are printed. In the pharmaceutical industry it is used in the manufacturing of penicillin and cephalosporin.
 
Description
Phosphorus pentachloride is a greenish-yellow crystalline solid with an irritating odor. It is decomposed by water to form hydrochloric and phosphoric acid and heat. This heat may be sufficient to ignite surrounding combustible material. It is corrosive to metals and tissue.
 
Preparation
It can be prepared by the action of dry chlorine on phosphorus trichloride. As per the law of mass action, Phosphorus pentachloride vaporises almost without dissociation in an atmosphere of chlorine gas or phosphorus trichloride, the dissociation equilibrium is shifted to the left by the presence of the product.
 
Chemical Properties
Phosphorus pentachloride (PCl5) is a highly reactive and hygroscopic compound, forming phosphoric acid and hydrogen chloride upon exposure to water.
 
Definition
Phosphorus pentachloride (PCl5) is a chemical compound consisting of one phosphorus atom bonded to five chlorine atoms.