PHOSPHORUS CHLORIDES Meaning and
Definition
-
Phosphorus chlorides refer to a group of chemical compounds that contain both phosphorus and chlorine atoms. They are part of the larger family of phosphorus halides, which also includes phosphorus bromides and phosphorus iodides. Phosphorus chloride compounds can have different molecular formulas, including PCl3 and PCl5.
Phosphorus trichloride (PCl3) is a yellowish liquid with a pungent odor. It is highly reactive and serves as a versatile reagent in a wide range of chemical reactions. PCl3 is commonly used in organic synthesis to convert alcohols to alkyl chlorides, and it is also utilized as a catalyst in certain processes. In addition, it can be employed as a precursor for various phosphorus compounds.
Phosphorus pentachloride (PCl5), on the other hand, is a yellowish-white solid that is less reactive than PCl3. It can act as both a catalyst and a reagent in different chemical reactions. Due to its strong chlorinating properties, PCl5 is often utilized to convert carboxylic acids to acyl chlorides, as well as to prepare other important compounds such as phosphorus oxychloride (POCl3).
Both phosphorus trichloride and phosphorus pentachloride are highly toxic and corrosive. They should be handled with extreme care, preferably in a well-ventilated area, and appropriate safety precautions should be followed when working with these compounds.
Etymology of PHOSPHORUS CHLORIDES
The word "phosphorus chlorides" is a chemical term used to describe compounds in which phosphorus is combined with chlorine.
The etymology of the word "phosphorus" can be traced back to Greek. It comes from the Greek word "phosphoros", meaning "light-bringer" or "light-bearing". This is because phosphorus emits a faint glow when exposed to oxygen. The term was coined by the German alchemist Hennig Brand in the 17th century.
The term "chlorides" originates from the Greek word "chlōrós", which means "greenish-yellow" or "pale green". Chlorine, one of the halogens, is a greenish-yellow gas, and many of its compounds have a similar coloration. The element was named by the Swedish chemist Carl Wilhelm Scheele in the late 18th century.
