Document Page: First | Prev | Next | All | Image | This Release | Search
File: 082696_doc1_077.txt
PHOSGENE
Poison A
GENERAL INFORMATIONRQ 10 Lb/ 4.54 Kg* (**EHS)
Phosgene is a colorless to light yellow nonflammable liquefied compressed gas with a boiling point in the range of 45.7-
46.80F and an odor that resembles new mown grass or musty hay in low concentrations and becomes sharp and pungent at
higher levels. It is used in metallurgy and in the making of various chemicals, and was once used as a poison gas by the
military. The product is very slightly soluble in water, slowly reactive (see below) and somewhat heavier, so may be
expected to simultaneously boil, sink, and/or react in water with its specific actions depending upon the water temperature
and depth of release. It weighs approximately 11.8 pounds per gallon.
Phosgene reacts slowly with water to form corrosive but far less toxic hydrogen chloride or hydrochloric acid together with
carbon dioxide and is considered to be stable in normal transportation. Reactions with potassium or 2,4-hexadiyn-1,6-diol
are known to form shock-sensitive explosives; those with iron salts can cause occasionally explosive thermal decomposition;
and the product is otherwise incompatible with a wide variety of other substances. The toxicity of phosgene is extremely
high by all routes of exposure. Vapors in air can be hazardous to life over considerable downwind distances and have a
tendency to accumulate in pits, hollows, depressions, and other low areas. Decomposition of the nonflammable substance at
high temperatures is said to produce chlorine, chlorides, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, carbon tetrachloride and possibly
other toxic constituents, all of which may be less toxic than phosgene itself. The anhydrous product is not corrosive to
ordinary metals, but exposure to moisture will cause corrosive conditions to develop rapidly.
Downwind evacuation should be considered immediately if phosgene is leaking from a container. Note that phosgene
tanks in transpoftation are not equipped with pressure relief devices and may rupture violently in fires due to
overpressurization, thus releasing large quantities of toxic gases and vapors virtually instantaneously to the atmosphere.
CHEMICAL/PHYSICAL DATA
Solubility in Water: Very slightly soluble; reacts slowly Corrosiveness: Phosgene used in anhydrous equipment
Solubility in Other Chemicals: Soluble in benzene, with anhydrous reagents is not corrosive to ordinary
toluene, chloroform, glacial acetic acid, and most liquid metals. In the presence of moisture, hydrochloric acid
hydrocarbons. is formed and corrosive conditions will develop rapidly,
Specific Gravity (Liquid): 1.38 at 680F (200C) in which case monel, tantalum or glass-lined
Boiling Point: 45.7-46.80F (7.6-8.20C) at 1 atm equipment should be used. Liquid phosgene may
-~ Melting Point: - 198.0 to - 194.80F (- 127.8 to - 1260C) attack some forms of plastics, rubber, and coatings.
Freezing Point: See melting point Reactivity with Water: Phosgene decomposes in water,
Moleculai- Weight: 98.92 but not vigorously, to form carbon dioxide and
Heat of Combustion: Not flammable hydrochloric acid or hydrogen chloride.
Vapor Pressure: 1.55-1.60 atm (22.77-23.50 psia) at Reactivity with Other Chemicals: Reacts with 2,4-
680F (200C) hexadiyn-1,6-diol, powdered aluminum, alcohols,
-` Flash Point: Not flammable potassium, sodium, amines, t-butyl azidoformate,
Autoignition Temperature: Not flammable isopropyl alcohol, hexafluoroisopropylidene, amino
Burning Rate: Not flammable lithium, lithium, iron salts, and possibly other
Stability: Stable substances.
IDENTIFICATION
Shipping Names: Phosgene (USDOT and IMO) Color of the Shipped Material: Colorless to light yellow
Synonyms and Tradenames: Carbonyl chloride; carbon Odor Characteristics: Sharp, pungent odor in higher
oxychloride; chloroformyl chloride; carbonic acid concentrations; like new mown grass or musty hay in
dichloride; carbonic dichloride; diphosgene low concentrations - mildly sweet. The sense of smell
Chemical Formula: COCI2 may be dulled quickly by phosgene.
Constituent Components (% each): 99-100% pure Common Uses: Mfg. many organic chemicals such as
49 STCC: 49 205 40 urea, polycarbonates, urethane foam, dyestuffs, and
UNJNA Designation: UN1076 isocyanates, acid chlorides, insecticides, herbacides,
IMO Designation: 2.3, poison gas and pharmaceuticals. Also used in metallurgy; once
Physical State As Shipped: Liquefied compressed gas used as war gas.
Physical State As Released: Liquid, boiling liquid, or
gas
* Reportable quantity (RQ) subject to chang~refer to current EPA regulations
**EPA extremely hazardous substanc~refer to EPA regulations for additional reporting requirements.
FOR ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE OR INFORMATION CALL: -
CHEMTREC (800)424-9300 OR (202)483-7616 OR
THE AAR HAZARDOUS MATERIALS SYSTEMS (BOE) (202)639-2222
Document Page: First | Prev | Next | All | Image | This Release | Search